1 Samuel 11:7

He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they turned out as one man.

Study Bible

He took a pair of oxen
In ancient Israel, oxen were valuable assets, essential for agriculture and transportation. The use of oxen here signifies the seriousness of the situation. Saul's choice to use oxen highlights the urgency and importance of the call to action.

cut them into pieces
This act is reminiscent of the Levite's concubine in Judges 19:29, where a similar method was used to rally the tribes of Israel. It was a dramatic and shocking gesture meant to convey the gravity of the situation and to ensure a swift response from the people.

and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel
The use of messengers indicates the widespread nature of the call. It reflects the decentralized communication methods of the time, relying on human couriers to spread important messages across the tribal territories of Israel.

proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.”
This proclamation served as both a warning and a rallying cry. Saul invokes his authority as king and aligns himself with Samuel, the respected prophet, to legitimize his command. The threat of destruction to one's property was a powerful motivator in a society where livestock was a measure of wealth and survival.

Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people
This phrase indicates divine intervention, suggesting that God instilled a sense of fear and urgency in the hearts of the Israelites. It echoes the concept of the "fear of the LORD" found throughout scripture, which often leads to obedience and reverence (Proverbs 1:7).

and they came out together as one man
The unity of the people in response to Saul's call is significant. It demonstrates a collective resolve and solidarity, crucial for the success of their military endeavors. This unity can be seen as a precursor to the later unification of Israel under David's reign, foreshadowing the ideal of a united kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. In this passage, he demonstrates leadership and decisiveness in rallying the Israelites.

2. Samuel
The prophet and last judge of Israel, who anointed Saul as king. His name is invoked alongside Saul's to lend authority to the call to arms.

3. Oxen
Animals used in agriculture, symbolizing wealth and livelihood. Saul's drastic action of cutting them into pieces serves as a powerful visual and symbolic message.

4. Messengers
Individuals tasked with delivering Saul's message throughout Israel, ensuring that the call to arms reaches all tribes.

5. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who are called to unite under Saul's leadership to face an external threat.

Teaching Points

Decisive Leadership
Saul's actions demonstrate the importance of decisive leadership in times of crisis. Leaders must sometimes take bold actions to unify and motivate their people.

Unity in Purpose
The response of the Israelites, turning out "as one man," underscores the power of unity in achieving a common goal. Believers are called to stand together in faith and purpose.

Fear of the Lord
The "terror of the LORD" serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the reverence due to Him. It is a call to align our actions with His will.

Symbolic Actions
Saul's use of a powerful symbol (the cut oxen) illustrates how symbolic actions can communicate urgency and compel action. In our lives, we should consider how our actions and symbols reflect our faith.

Obedience and Consequences
The warning attached to Saul's message highlights the importance of obedience to God's appointed leaders and the consequences of inaction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's leadership in this passage compare to other leaders in the Bible who faced crises? What can we learn from their examples?

2. In what ways can we, as a church or community, ensure unity in purpose when facing challenges today?

3. How does the "terror of the LORD" manifest in our lives, and how should it influence our actions and decisions?

4. What are some modern-day "symbolic actions" that can effectively communicate urgency and motivate others in our faith communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required bold action. How did your faith influence your decision-making process, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 19:29
This passage describes a similar act of cutting a concubine into pieces to rally the tribes of Israel, highlighting the gravity and urgency of the situation.

Exodus 15:16
The "terror of the LORD" is reminiscent of the fear that fell upon the nations as Israel journeyed to the Promised Land, emphasizing God's power to unite and protect His people.

1 Samuel 10:26-27
Saul's initial acceptance as king and the skepticism of some Israelites, setting the stage for his need to prove his leadership.