Topical Bible: Rulers: Righteous: Saul, After the Defeat of the Ammonites

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Topical Encyclopedia

Saul, the first king of Israel, is a complex figure in biblical history, often remembered for his initial righteousness and subsequent decline. His early reign, particularly after the defeat of the Ammonites, is marked by a period of righteous leadership and divine favor.

Context and Background

Saul was anointed as king by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 10. His anointing was a response to the Israelites' demand for a king to lead them, like the other nations. Despite God's warning about the potential pitfalls of monarchy, He granted their request and chose Saul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, to be their leader.

The Threat of the Ammonites

The Ammonites, led by Nahash, posed a significant threat to the Israelites, particularly the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead. Nahash besieged the city and offered a humiliating treaty that involved gouging out the right eye of every man in Jabesh-gilead, as recorded in 1 Samuel 11:1-2. This act of aggression and the threat of disgrace galvanized the Israelites and set the stage for Saul's first major test as king.

Saul's Righteous Leadership

Upon hearing the plight of Jabesh-gilead, Saul was filled with the Spirit of God, and his anger was kindled greatly (1 Samuel 11:6). Demonstrating decisive leadership, Saul took a yoke of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them throughout Israel with a message that rallied the people to his cause. This act of unity and urgency was instrumental in gathering a formidable force of 330,000 men from Israel and Judah (1 Samuel 11:7-8).

Saul's strategy and leadership were evident as he divided his forces into three companies and launched a surprise attack on the Ammonite camp during the early morning hours. The result was a resounding victory, as the Ammonites were thoroughly defeated, and the siege of Jabesh-gilead was lifted (1 Samuel 11:11).

Renewal of Kingship

Following the victory, the people of Israel were eager to solidify Saul's kingship. Some even suggested punishing those who had previously doubted Saul's ability to lead. However, Saul demonstrated magnanimity and righteousness by declaring, "No man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel" (1 Samuel 11:13). This act of mercy and acknowledgment of God's hand in their victory further endeared Saul to the people and reinforced his position as king.

Samuel then called the people to Gilgal, where Saul's kingship was renewed in a public ceremony before the LORD. Sacrifices were offered, and the people rejoiced greatly, marking a period of unity and divine favor under Saul's leadership (1 Samuel 11:14-15).

Significance

Saul's actions after the defeat of the Ammonites highlight a period of righteous rule characterized by reliance on God's guidance, decisive leadership, and mercy. This episode serves as a reminder of the potential for godly leadership to bring about deliverance and unity among God's people. Saul's early reign, marked by such righteousness, stands in contrast to the later years of his kingship, where disobedience and pride led to his downfall.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 11:12,13
And the people said to Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Under Their Rulers Of Thousands, And Rulers Of Hundreds ... Friendship That Jonathan,
The Son Of Saul, Had Borne ... Reigned Josiah; He Was Both Righteous And Religious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Historical Books.
... of Samuel give the history of Samuel, Saul, and David ... a government of law, in which
the rulers are restrained ... fell upon the Jews' enemies was righteous; but on ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... and all prophesy, [2566] so that even "Saul is among ... them by, together with the Lord's
righteous sentence and ... less does he bewail the depravity of its rulers. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm