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1 Samuel 11:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 11:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and spake these words in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voice, and wept.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and spake these words in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voice, and wept.
1 Samuel 11:4 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.
2And Nahash the Ammonite said unto them, On this condition will I make it with you, that all your right eyes be put out; and I will lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.
3And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days` respite, that we may send messengers unto all the borders of Israel; and then, if there be none to save us, we will come out to thee.
4Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and spake these words in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voice, and wept.
5And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh.
6And the Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul when he heard those words, and his anger was kindled greatly.
7And he took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the dread of Jehovah fell on the people, and they came out as one man.
← 1 Samuel 11:31 Samuel 11:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, etc.] Where he was born, and brought up, and now dwelt; and he being elected king, it brought an honour to the place; and from hence had this name, to distinguish it from the others, and this is the first time it was so called. Now the messengers from Jabesh came hither directly, because they knew that Saul, the chosen king, dwelt here, and the Benjaminites, of all the tribes, had great reason to show regard to them, since it was from thence they had four hundred wives, when they were reduced to six hundred men only, in order to raise up their tribe: and told the tidings in the ears of the people; Saul being not at home in the city, but in the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They came to Gibeah on account of the connection between the Benjamites and the people of Jabesh Judges 21:0. In the ears of the people - They did not even inquire for Saul, so little was he looked upon as king. 1 Samuel 11:5 shows how completely he was still in a private and humble station. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“to Gibeah: Sa1 10:26, Sa1 14:2, Sa1 15:34; Sa2 21:6 lifted up: Sa1 30:4; Jdg 2:4, Jdg 21:2; Rom 12:15; Co1 12:26; Gal 6:2; Heb 13:3 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 11:5”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 11 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification