"And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, To-morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and showed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad."
Context:The book of 1 Samuel is a historical account of the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. In chapter 11, we find the Ammonites, under the leadership of Nahash, threatening the Israelite city of Jabesh-gilead. They were planning to conquer and bring shame upon the inhabitants of the city by gouging out the right eye of every citizen.
Threatened City:Jabesh-gilead was a city located east of the Jordan River, in the territory of the tribe of Gad. It was a prominent city known for its valour and was under threat from the Ammonites. This situation sets the stage for the events that follow.
Messengers:In response to the impending danger, the men of Jabesh-gilead sent messengers to other Israelite tribes seeking help. They carried a message asking for assistance to confront the Ammonite threat.
The Promise of Help:The messengers were instructed to tell the men of Jabesh-gilead that they would receive help by the next day when the sun was hot. This message brought hope and assurance to the people, knowing that they were not alone in their struggle.
Deliverance and Gladness:The messengers conveyed the message of impending help to the people of Jabesh-gilead, and upon hearing the news, they were filled with joy and gladness. They were encouraged by the promise of assistance and the prospect of deliverance from their enemies.
Lessons and Applications:
- Seeking Help:The men of Jabesh-gilead provide an example of seeking help when faced with overwhelming challenges. They understood the importance of reaching out to their fellow Israelites for support in times of need. Likewise, we should not hesitate to seek assistance from others when we face difficulties, knowing that we are not meant to face them alone.
- God’s Timely Help:The promise of help being delivered by the next day, when the sun was hot, is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and timing. God often intervenes at the right moment to provide solutions to our problems. We should trust in His timing and remain patient, knowing that He is aware of our struggles and is working on our behalf.
- Joy in Deliverance:The gladness experienced by the men of Jabesh-gilead upon hearing the news of help reminds us of the joy that comes with deliverance from adversity. As believers, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God is our ultimate deliverer, and in Him, we can experience true joy even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
- Unity and Support:The response of the other Israelite tribes in providing assistance to Jabesh-gilead demonstrates the importance of unity and support among believers. When we come together, we can accomplish great things and be a source of strength and encouragement for one another.
Overall, 1 Samuel 11:9 teaches us the value of seeking help, trusting in God’s timing, finding joy in deliverance, and the importance of unity and support among believers.
