Topical Encyclopedia Jabesh-Gilead, a city located east of the Jordan River in the territory of Gilead, holds a significant place in biblical history due to its involvement in several key events, particularly its sieges. The city is first mentioned in the context of the period of the Judges and later during the reign of King Saul.Siege by Nahash the Ammonite The most notable siege of Jabesh-Gilead occurred during the early monarchy of Israel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 11. Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-Gilead, threatening the inhabitants with severe humiliation. The men of Jabesh-Gilead sought a treaty with Nahash, who responded with a cruel condition: "I will make a treaty with you on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you, and so bring disgrace on all Israel" (1 Samuel 11:2). In desperation, the elders of Jabesh requested seven days to seek help from the rest of Israel. Their plea reached Saul, who had recently been anointed as king. The Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he rallied the Israelites to rescue Jabesh-Gilead. Saul's decisive victory over the Ammonites not only saved the city but also solidified his position as the leader of Israel. This event is pivotal as it demonstrates God's deliverance through Saul and the unity of Israel under his leadership. Connection to the Tribe of Benjamin Jabesh-Gilead's earlier history is intertwined with the tribe of Benjamin. In the aftermath of the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, as recounted in Judges 21, the city of Jabesh-Gilead was punished for not joining the assembly at Mizpah. The Israelites, seeking wives for the surviving Benjamites, attacked Jabesh-Gilead, sparing only the virgin women to provide wives for the Benjamites. This incident highlights the complex inter-tribal relationships and the severe measures taken to preserve the tribes of Israel. Loyalty to Saul The loyalty of Jabesh-Gilead to Saul is further evidenced at the end of his reign. After Saul and his sons were killed in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines desecrated their bodies. The valiant men of Jabesh-Gilead retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the walls of Beth-shan and gave them a proper burial (1 Samuel 31:11-13). This act of bravery and loyalty underscores the deep gratitude and respect the people of Jabesh-Gilead had for Saul, remembering his earlier deliverance of their city. Jabesh-Gilead's history, marked by sieges and acts of loyalty, reflects the broader themes of deliverance, unity, and covenant faithfulness that are woven throughout the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 11:1Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Siege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Siege by Rezin, King of Syria, and Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel Siege: An offer of Peace Must be Made to the City Before Beginning A Siege: Conducted by Erecting Embankments Parallel to the Walls of the Besieged City Siege: Distress of the Inhabitants During A Sieges: Being Against Round About Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Helped by Allies Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Ambush Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Assault Sieges: Cities Invested by Inhabitants of, Exhorted to be Courageous Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Demanded Terms of Peace Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Famine Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence Sieges: Cities Invested by Repaired and Newly Fortified Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by Sometimes Used Ambushes or Sorties Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by The Inhabitants of, Cut off Beforehand Supplies of Water Sieges: Cities Invested by Walls of, Defended by the Inhabitants Sieges: Cities Invested by Were Strictly Shut Up Sieges: Cities of Israel in Galilee Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Broken Down Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Destroyed by Fire Sieges: Cities Taken by Given up to Pillage Sieges: Cities Taken by Inhabitants of, often Put to the Sword Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Called After the Name of the Captor Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Sown With Salt Sieges: Compassing About With Armies Sieges: Extreme Difficulty of Taking Cities By, Alluded To Sieges: Fenced Cities Invested By Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To Sieges: Often Lasted for a Long Time Sieges: Setting in Array Against Sieges: The Jews Forbidden to Cut Down Fruit Trees for the Purpose of Sieges: The Omnipresence of God Sieges: Those Engaged in Built Forts and Mounts Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender Sieges: Those Engaged in Cast Arrows and Other Missiles Into the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Cut off all Supplies Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Employed Battering Rams Against the Walls Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes Sieges: Those Engaged in Invested the City on Every Side Sieges: Those Engaged in Often Suffered Much During Sieges: Threatened As a Punishment Sieges: Zion in Her Affliction Related Terms Battering-rams (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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