1 Sa. 11: Saul's Ammonite Crisis

1 Samuel 11:13 "But Saul said, 'No one shall be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel.'"

Well, we're one chapter into Saul's kingship, and he already has a crisis on his hands. The Ammonites come to beseige Jabesh Gilead (remember in Judges, they refused to go to assembly, and were almost wiped out by their own people). Jabesh Gilead, shrewd negotiators as they are tell the Ammonite leader, Nahash, that they will just be subject to them, minus an eye from each Gileadite, if they aren't rescued within the week.

This makes Israel sad and scared.

It makes Saul angry. Saul (or God) convinces the people to come together and fight, and Israel musters an army of 330,000. Which is huge-mongous. Of course they destroy the Ammonite invaders in like one day. And the Ammonite army is so destroyed, the Bible says that no two attackers are left together.

Then something happens that even I find unexpected. Some Israelites wanted to put to death whoever suggested that Saul become king. Despite this great military victory. Was it because they were undyingly devoted to the LORD and His kingship? Or because they were threatened into battle by having their oxen cut up into pieces? Something tells me its the latter.

Saul busts in and says, "No one shall be put to death, because the LORD has rescued Israel." And I like that. Saul gives credit and glory to God. The ruler he has replaced. That shows great leadership, in spite of an unpopular public opinion. Of a few people. At least.

Anyway, they have a huge celebration for Saul, and with the victory, its his "coming out party."