1 Samuel 11:11

KJV

And it was [so] on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so on the morrow {H4283}, that Saul {H7586} put {H7760} the people {H5971} in three {H7969} companies {H7218}; and they came {H935} into the midst {H8432} of the host {H4264} in the morning {H1242} watch {H821}, and slew {H5221} the Ammonites {H5983} until the heat {H2527} of the day {H3117}: and it came to pass, that they which remained {H7604} were scattered {H6327}, so that two {H8147} of them were not left {H7604} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next day Sha'ul divided the people into three companies. Then they entered the camp of the 'Amoni during the morning watch and kept attacking until the heat of the day, until those who remained were so scattered that no two of them were left together.

Berean Standard Bible

The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together.

American Standard Version

And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and smote the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they that remained were scattered, so that not two of them were left together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 11:11 vividly recounts the decisive and overwhelming victory of Israel, under the strategic leadership of King Saul, against the Ammonites. This verse marks the successful culmination of Saul's first major military campaign, demonstrating his divinely empowered leadership and solidifying his nascent kingship through a surprise dawn attack that utterly routed the enemy forces, scattering them so completely that their cohesion was destroyed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic resolution to the narrative arc initiated by Nahash the Ammonite's siege of Jabesh-Gilead and his cruel ultimatum in [1 Samuel 11:1](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1 - Nahash's Threat to Jabesh-Gilead"). The preceding verses detail the desperate plea from Jabesh-Gilead, the outrage and divine empowerment of Saul upon hearing the news ([1 Samuel 11:6](/1_samuel/11-6 "1 Samuel 11:6 - The Spirit of God Comes Upon Saul")), and his swift, decisive call to arms that rallied all Israel ([1 Samuel 11:7](/1_samuel/11-7 "1 Samuel 11:7 - Saul's Call to Arms")). Saul's strategic planning and the subsequent execution of the attack described in [1 Samuel 11:9-10](/1_samuel/11-9 "1 Samuel 11:9-10 - Saul's Strategic Plan") set the stage for this verse, which describes the triumphant outcome, immediately followed by the people's affirmation of Saul's kingship in [1 Samuel 11:12-15](/1_samuel/11-12 "1 Samuel 11:12-15 - Saul's Kingship Affirmed at Gilgal").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the judges was characterized by tribal disunity and sporadic foreign oppression. The Ammonites, a Transjordanian people, were frequent adversaries of Israel, often seeking to expand their territory at Israel's expense. Their brutal ultimatum to Jabesh-Gilead—gouging out the right eyes of the inhabitants—was a common ancient Near Eastern practice intended to humiliate and incapacitate a conquered people, preventing them from serving as effective soldiers. Saul's ability to quickly mobilize a large, unified force from disparate tribes (estimated at 330,000 men in [1 Samuel 11:8](/1_samuel/11-8 "1 Samuel 11:8 - Israel Gathers at Bezek")) was unprecedented and a testament to the urgency of the threat and the Spirit's anointing upon him. The military tactics employed, such as dividing the army into companies and launching a surprise dawn attack, were well-known and effective strategies in ancient warfare, designed to maximize confusion and disarray among the enemy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and the broader narrative of Israel's transition to monarchy. It highlights **Divine Empowerment and Deliverance**, as the overwhelming victory is ultimately attributed to God's hand working through Saul, fulfilling His promise to protect His people. It underscores **Saul's Emergence as a Decisive Leader**, showcasing his strategic acumen and ability to unify and command Israel's forces, a stark contrast to his earlier shyness when [proclaimed king](/1_samuel/10-24 "1 Samuel 10:24 - Saul Proclaimed King"). The theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant** is also evident, as He delivers Israel from their enemies, even as they navigate the complexities of human kingship. Finally, the complete destruction of the Ammonite threat emphasizes the **Consequences of Opposing God's People** and the thoroughness of divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Companies (Hebrew, _ro'shim'_):** Literally "heads" or "divisions." This term signifies Saul's strategic decision to divide his forces, likely into three distinct units, for a coordinated, multi-pronged assault. This tactic, known as a pincer movement or flanking maneuver, was designed to encircle and overwhelm the enemy, preventing escape and maximizing casualties. It demonstrates Saul's immediate grasp of military strategy.
* **Morning Watch (Hebrew, _'ashmuroth habboqer'_):** Refers to the final watch of the night, just before dawn (approximately 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM). This was a highly effective time for a surprise attack, as the enemy would be least alert, likely in their deepest sleep or just beginning to stir. The element of surprise was crucial to the swift and decisive victory.
* **Heat of the Day (Hebrew, _chom hayyom'_):** Indicates the hottest part of the day, typically late morning or early afternoon (around 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM). The battle lasting "until the heat of the day" signifies a prolonged, relentless pursuit and slaughter of the Ammonites, ensuring their complete dispersal and preventing them from regrouping. This was not a quick skirmish but a sustained, exhaustive rout.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so] on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies;":** This clause emphasizes the immediacy and strategic planning of Saul. After receiving the intelligence and making his promise, Saul wasted no time. His division of the army into three companies—a classic military maneuver—demonstrates his tactical brilliance and preparedness, setting the stage for a coordinated and overwhelming assault.
* **"and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day:":** This describes the execution of the battle plan. The "morning watch" highlights the element of surprise, catching the Ammonites off guard. The phrase "into the midst of the host" suggests a direct, penetrating strike into the heart of the enemy camp. The duration of the slaughter, "until the heat of the day," indicates a sustained, relentless pursuit and complete dismantling of the Ammonite forces, ensuring their total defeat and dispersal.
* **"and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.":** This final clause describes the comprehensive nature of the Israelite victory. The Ammonite survivors were not merely defeated but utterly "scattered," meaning their military cohesion was completely broken. The hyperbole "so that two of them were not left together" vividly illustrates the extent of their disarray and demoralization, signifying a complete and irreversible rout. This was a total victory, leaving no immediate threat.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 11:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the magnitude of Israel's victory. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "so that two of them were not left together," which dramatically emphasizes the completeness of the Ammonite rout. While not literally meaning no two individuals remained, it vividly portrays the utter disarray and dissolution of their forces. The description of Saul's actions also highlights **Strategic Foresight** and **Decisive Action**, as his division of troops and the timing of the attack are presented as key elements in the success. The narrative structure itself functions as a **Climax**, bringing the initial tension of the siege to a triumphant resolution, solidifying Saul's role as a divinely appointed deliverer. The rapid progression from "morning watch" to "heat of the day" also creates a sense of **Relentless Momentum**, underscoring the sustained and overwhelming nature of the Israelite assault.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The decisive victory in 1 Samuel 11:11 is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His people and His ability to raise up and empower leaders for His purposes. While Saul's strategic genius is evident, the thoroughness of the victory, particularly the complete scattering of the enemy, points to a divine hand at work. This event establishes Saul's kingship not merely by human acclamation but by divine validation through military success, echoing the pattern seen throughout Israel's history where God grants victory to His chosen instruments. It foreshadows the ongoing spiritual warfare that God's people face, where ultimate victory is secured not by human might alone, but by divine intervention and empowerment.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "The Lord Fights for Israel")
* [Psalm 44:6-7](/psalm/44-6 "Not by Sword, but by God's Hand")
* [Judges 7:16-22](/judges/7-16 "Gideon's Victory with Three Companies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Saul's victory over the Ammonites offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God often uses human strategy and leadership to accomplish His divine purposes. When faced with daunting challenges or threats, we are called not to passive resignation but to courageous, Spirit-empowered action. Saul's immediate response, his strategic planning, and his relentless pursuit of the enemy demonstrate the importance of decisive leadership and sustained effort in overcoming obstacles. This victory was not merely a military triumph but a spiritual one, confirming God's presence and power. For us, this means that while we are to pray and trust in God's sovereignty, we are also responsible for employing wisdom, diligence, and unity in our endeavors, particularly in spiritual battles. True victory, whether personal or corporate, often requires a complete commitment to the task, trusting that God will empower our efforts and bring about a thorough deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's immediate and strategic response to the crisis at Jabesh-Gilead challenge my own tendencies toward procrastination or indecision in the face of challenges?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I need to combine prayerful dependence on God with decisive, Spirit-led action, much like Saul did?**
* **The Ammonites were scattered so completely that "two of them were not left together." What "enemies" (sins, habits, spiritual strongholds) in my life require such a complete and thorough "rout" for true freedom?**

### FAQ
**Was Saul's victory solely due to his military genius, or was there a divine element?**

Answer: While Saul undeniably demonstrated significant military genius in his strategic planning—dividing his forces into three companies and launching a surprise dawn attack—the narrative strongly emphasizes the divine element. [1 Samuel 11:6](/1_samuel/11-6 "1 Samuel 11:6 - The Spirit of God Comes Upon Saul") explicitly states that "the Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul" immediately before he rallied Israel. This divine empowerment transformed him from a hesitant figure into a decisive leader. The overwhelming nature of the victory, where the Ammonites were scattered so completely, points to God's hand ensuring the success of His anointed king and delivering His people. Saul was God's chosen instrument, and his human strategy was blessed and amplified by divine power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Saul's victory over the Ammonites was a significant moment in Israel's history, establishing a human king as a deliverer, it ultimately points forward to the perfect and ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Saul, though anointed by God, was a flawed and temporary king whose deliverance was limited to physical enemies and temporal salvation. Jesus, however, is the true [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose victory is eternal and comprehensive. Just as Saul strategically divided his forces and launched a surprise attack, Jesus, through His death and resurrection, launched the decisive offensive against the spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His "morning watch" was the resurrection, a glorious dawn that shattered the power of darkness and scattered the forces of evil, ensuring that no spiritual enemy could stand against His redeemed people ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The complete rout of the Ammonites foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ, who will finally cast all enemies under His feet, establishing a kingdom of peace and righteousness where no opposing force can remain ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ Must Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet")). Jesus is the greater Saul, whose victory brings not just physical safety but eternal salvation and liberation from the bondage of sin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 7:16

¶ And he divided the three hundred men [into] three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

1 Samuel 30:17

And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.

1 Samuel 30:18

And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.

Judges 4:16

But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; [and] there was not a man left.

Judges 1:7

And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their meat] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.