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1 Samuel 11:5

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 11:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And, 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And, 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.
1 Samuel 11:5 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
8And he numbered them in Bezek; and the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.
← 1 Samuel 11:41 Samuel 11:6 →
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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
“And, behold, Saul came after the herd out the field, etc.] Where he had been to look after the and take care of them, and see what condition they were in, and followed them on their return home; for though he was elected king, he was not inaugurated, and did not take upon him any state; and being despised by some, and no provision as yet made for his support and maintenance as a king, and no business as such for him to do, Samuel still acting in his office, he returned to his father’s house, and employed himself in rustic affairs, as he used to do: though some think this was casual, that he had been in the field to recreate himself, or to meditate on the affairs of government, and happened…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“After the herd - For being only anointed king, and not publickly inaugurated, nor having yet had opportunity of doing any thing worthy of his place, he thought fit to forbear all royal state, and to retire to his former private life, which, howsoever despised in this latter ages, was anciently in great esteem. Good magistrates are in pain, if their subjects are in tears. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 11:7”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“after the herd: Sa1 9:1; Kg1 19:19; Psa 78:71 What aileth: Gen 21:17; Jdg 18:23; Isa 22:1 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 11:6”
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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