Saul Proves Himself in Battle

Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. —1 Samuel 11:11

Saul had been plowing in the fields and was returning home to Gibeah with his oxen when messengers arrived from Jabesh. When told the news, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul, and he was outraged. History was repeated in another call to arms accompanied by body parts. Cutting up his oxen, he sent pieces to each of the tribes, saying, “Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent” (1 Samuel 11:7).

The response to Saul’s call to arms was enthusiastic.

Around 330,000 warriors gathered at Bezek, ten miles southwest of Jabesh-gilead. Here, Samuel and Saul would form the tribes into a cohesive unit.

“From Bezek, more than 1,000 ft. above sea level, the armies would descend via the Wadi el-Khashneh to the Jordan, at this point about 900 ft. below sea level. . . . This gathering of armed men could be accomplished within a period of six days, and by marching from Bezek during the night Saul could reach Jabesh early in the morning of the seventh day. By the morning of the sixth day Saul had enough of an army present to assure the elders of Jabesh that they would have help on time.” Meanwhile, Jabesh’s elders told Nahash that on the last day agreed they would surrender, and he could do with them as he wished.

“Saul did not stop to ask why the elders of Jabesh had not come to Samuel when a king was to be appointed. He did not inquire concerning their past, whatever it might be. They were in need, and the Holy Spirit took possession of him in bringing them help.” A rapid march brought the army to Jabesh at first light. Dividing his men into three columns, as had Gideon, Saul fell on the unprepared Ammonite camp.

The battle lasted from sunrise until noon, resulting in total victory for the forces of Israel. The siege was lifted, and the citizens of Jabesh rejoiced.

With God on your side, anything is possible (see Matthew 19:26).