1 Samuel 11

A Victory And Confirmation of Saul’s Reign

When the city of Jabesh-gilead came under Ammonite attack, God empowered the young King Saul to rally troops and defend His people. 

The Ammonites Attack Jabesh-gilead

Threat

Vs. 1 - Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead.

The Ammonites were Israel’s enemies to the east. They were descendants of Lot whom Jephthah had defeated earlier (Judges 11:12-33). Nahash evidently sought revenge for Jephthah’s victory over his nation.                    - Thomas Constable

Treaty

Vs. 1 - All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.”

Commentators note that requesting a peace treaty and surrendering to servitude was a common practice under these circumstances.  Nahash’s confidence was evident in his willingness to engage and accommodate the requests. 

Nahash let the messengers go for two reasons. First, he was confident of Israel’s disunity and figured they couldn’t find anyone to save them. Second, by allowing the messengers to go through all of Israel he made his name big and his reputation feared throughout the whole nation.      - David Guzik

The Spirit of God Came Upon Saul

Vs. 6 - When Saul heard these words, the Spirit of God suddenly came powerfully on him

Vs. 13 - today the Lord has provided deliverance in Israel 

When it was needed, the Spirit of God emboldened and empowered men and women of the old covenant to complete a task.  It seems that Saul recognized the Spirit-driven nature of his leadership and victory as he publicly attributed the deliverance to God.  

The People Confirmed Saul as King

Confirmation

Vs. 15 - So all the people went to Gilgal, and there in the Lord’s presence they made Saul king.

Within a short time, Saul had the opportunity to prove to the doubters that he was the man to lead Israel.  Saul led Israel to victory in his first battle, and immediately became a national hero. Samuel then arranged for a public ceremony at Gilgal, where Saul was declared king over a now unified people.     - Don Fleming

This (military victory) was the third divine indication that God had chosen Saul to lead Israel following his private anointing and his public choice by lot.                  - Thomas Constable 

Offering

Vs. 15 -  There they sacrificed fellowship offerings in the Lord’s presence   

Fellowship offerings (sometimes translated “peace offerings”)  were appropriate for occasions of thankfulness (Leviticus 7:11-15).                   - Bryan E. Beyer