Hear Your Father And Mother

I Samuel 11:1–15
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Following the events at Mizpah Saul returned to Gibeah where he apparently made no attempt to establish his leadership in the kingdom. Possibly this is because he did not want to give those who had opposed his appointment (10:27) an opportunity to criticize him. He seemed content to follow Samuel’s instructions and act as each occasion required. Just how long a period of time elapsed between Saul’s appointment and these events of chapters 11-12 cannot be determined with accuracy.

At this time Israel was very susceptible to an invasion that was brewing with the Ammonites from east of the Jordan (vv. 1-3).  Because Israel was so disorganized the Ammonites felt that not one would come to their aid. They were hoping to take this territory without a fight and avoid a battle. As the Ammonites prepared to attack Jabish Gilead the people of that area sent messengers to Saul requesting help (v. 4). Saul was angered by the Ammonites threat to mistreat his fellow Israelites (v. 5). The Holy Spirit used Saul’s anger to bring justice and freedom. He took a yoke of oxen, hacked them to pieces, and sent them though out the coasts of Israel which brought a fear of the Lord to the people (vv. 6-7). Anger is a powerful emotion and often it drives others with words or physical violence. However, anger directed at sin and the mistreatment of others is not wrong.

So all the men came together at Bezek (v. 8). Saul divided them into three companies. There were three hundred thousand from Israel and thirty thousand from Judah. Saul and his officers sent the messengers back to Jabesh with this promise: “We will rescue you tomorrow afternoon (v. 9).” The messengers went back to the people at Jabesh and told them that they were going to be rescued (v. 10). In response Saul mobilized an army at Bezek and from there attacked the Ammonites, as the sun began to peek over the hills of Basham, Saul divided his forces into three groups and launched an attack. For six hours they continued to slaughter the enemy until Israel’s victory was complete (vv. 11-12). The brilliant and decisive defeat of the Ammonites convinced everyone that Saul indeed was the right choice for king (v. 13). The people went to Gilgal and “made Saul king.” Unlike the Mizpah meeting which ended in mixed opinion about Saul a few months earlier. At the Gilgal assembly Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced together greatly (vv. 14-15)

Application

When sin makes me angry I should ask God how I can channel this anger in constructive ways to help bring about a positive change.