Chapter Summary

Saul's victories at Jabesh-gilead. Kingdom renewed at Gilgal.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 11

1. There is a geographical emphasis here in that the Ammonites lived beside Israel and were their distant relations [See Genesis 19:38]. This is not the first time they have troubled Israel either [see Judges 10:6-11:33]. Their attack on Jabesh Gilead is timely, since the Philistines are a greater threat on Israel's west side. When have you felt attacked from an unexpected quarter?
2. Was the offer to make a treaty with Nahash a good move for Jabesh Gilead? Why/why not?
3. Why do you think Nahash gives Jabesh Gilead such harsh terms? How does his evil intent help fulfill God's deliverance of the city?
4. Remember in Ch. 10 that not everyone was supportive of Saul's kingship. How does his response on behalf of the men of Jabesh Gilead help silence the doubters? Do you think this event helps silence Saul's own self-doubts? Why/why not?
5. How does Saul motivate the people to action? Why would this encourage the people to obey? How do we know that it works? [Recommended: read Romans 13: 1-7].
6. What motivates Saul? How does the author describe Saul's motivation? How has God enabled you for the tasks that you have to do?
7. Who really saves Jabesh Gilead? Does Saul acknowledge this? Where can you acknowledge God's work on your behalf?
8. What kind of a king is Saul becoming by the end of this chapter? What qualities does he demonstrate to his people?
9. Samuel makes a key move in this chapter; what is it? How is this moment (vs. 14-15) different than what happened in Ch. 10: 17-25 at Mizpah? What does this reveal about the kingship process?
10. Think of a time in your life when people doubted you unfairly. What do you learn from Saul's response to those who doubted him?

Key Words/Phrase

Compromise (covenant) rejected, vv. 1, 13.

Characters

God, Holy Spirit, Saul, Samuel, Nahash.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 13.