I Samuel Chapter 11

I Samuel 11 — English translation

Translation: THE JPS TANAKH: Gender-Sensitive Edition. Verse numbers match the Hebrew text below.

1. 1Nahash the Ammonite marched up and besieged Jabesh-gilead. All the people of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a pact with us, and we will serve you.”
2. 2But Nahash the Ammonite answered them, “I will make a pact with you on this condition, that every man’s right eye be gouged out; I will make this a humiliation for all Israel.”
3. 3The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days’ respite, so that we may send messengers throughout the territory of Israel; if no one comes to our aid, we will surrender to you.”
4. 4When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and gave this report in the hearing of the people, all the people broke into weeping.
5. 5Saul was just coming from the field driving the cattle; and Saul asked, “Why are the people crying?” And they told him about the situation of the inhabitants of Jabesh.
6. 6When he heard these things, the spirit of God gripped Saul and his anger blazed up.
7. 7He took a yoke of oxen and cut them into pieces, which he sent by messengers throughout the territory of Israel, with the warning, “Thus shall be done to the cattle of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel into battle!” Terror from G OD fell upon the people, and they came out united.
8. 8[Saul] mustered them in Bezek: the Israelites numbered 300,000, and Judah’s contingent 30,000.
9. 9The messengers who had come were told, “Thus shall you speak to Jabesh-gilead’s side: Tomorrow, when the sun grows hot, you shall be saved.” When the messengers came and told this to the representatives of Jabesh, they rejoiced.
10. 10The representatives of Jabesh then told [the Ammonites], “Tomorrow we will surrender to you, and you can do to us whatever you please.”
11. 11The next day, Saul divided the troops into three columns; at the morning watch they entered the camp and struck down the Ammonites until the day grew hot. The survivors scattered; no two were left together.
12. 12The people then said to Samuel, “Who was it said, ‘Shall Saul be king over us?’ Hand over those involved—and we will put them to death!”
13. 13But Saul replied, “Nobody shall be put to death this day! For this day G OD has brought victory to Israel.”
14. 14Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there inaugurate the monarchy.”
15. 15So all the people went to Gilgal, and there at Gilgal they declared Saul king before G OD . They offered sacrifices of well-being there before G OD ; and Saul and everyone connected with Israel held a great celebration there.

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