TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
Complete Jewish Bible
The people said to Sh'mu'el, "Who are the men who said, 'Is Sha'ul to rule over us?' Hand them over to us, so we can put them to death."
Berean Standard Bible
Then the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Bring those men here so we can kill them!”
American Standard Version
And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
World English Bible Messianic
The people said to Samuel, “Who is he who said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring those men, that we may put them to death!”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the people said vnto Samuel, Who is he that saide, Shall Saul reigne ouer vs? bring those men that we may slaie them.
Young's Literal Translation
And the people say unto Samuel, `Who is he that saith, Saul doth reign over us! give ye up the men, and we put them to death.'
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 11 verses 12–15
12 ¶ And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
13 And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.
14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.
15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
We have here the improvement of the glorious victory which Saul had obtained, not the improvement of it abroad, though we take it for granted that the men of Jabesh-Gilead, having so narrowly saved their right eyes, would with them now discern the opportunity they had of avenging themselves upon these cruel enemies and disabling them from ever straitening them in like manner again; now shall they be avenged on the Ammonites for their right eyes condemned, as Samson on the Philistines for his two eyes put out, Jdg 16:28. But the account here given is of the improvement of this victory at home.
I. The people took this occasion to show their jealousy for the honour of Saul, and their resentment of the indignities done him. Samuel, it seems, was present, if not in the action (it was too far for him to march) yet to meet them when they returned victorious; and to him, as judge, the motion was made (for they knew Saul would not be judge in his own cause) that the sons of Belial that would not have him to reign over them should be brought forth and slain, Sa1 11:12. Saul's good fortune (as foolish men commonly call it) went further with them to confirm his title than either his choice by lot or Samuel's anointing him. They had not courage thus to move for the prosecution of those that opposed him when he himself looked mean, but, now that his victory made him look great, nothing would serve but they must be put to death.
II. Saul took this occasion to give further proofs of his clemency, for, without waiting for Samuel's answer, he himself quashed the motion (Sa1 11:13): There shall not a man be put to death this day, no, not those men, those bad men, that had abused him, and therein reflected on God himself, 1. Because it was a day of joy and triumph: "To day the Lord has wrought salvation in Israel; and, since God has been so good to us all, let us not be harsh one to another. Now that God has made the heart of Israel in general so glad, let not us make sad the hearts of any particular Israelites." 2. Because he hoped they were by this day's work brought to a better temper, were now convinced that this man, under God, could save them, now honoured him whom before they had despised; and, if they are but reclaimed, he is secured from receiving any disturbance by them, and therefore his point is gained. If an enemy be made a friend, that will be more to our advantage than to have him slain. And all good princes consider that their power is for edification, not for destruction.
III. Samuel took this occasion to call the people together before the Lord in Gilgal, Sa1 11:14, Sa1 11:15. 1. That they might publicly give God thanks for their late victory. There they rejoiced greatly, and, that God might have the praise of that which they had the comfort of, they sacrificed to him, as the giver of all their successes, sacrifices of peace-offerings. 2. That they might confirm Saul in the government, more solemnly than had been yet done, that he might not retire again to his obscurity. Samuel would have the kingdom renewed; he would renew his resignation, and the people should renew their approbation, and so in concurrence with, or rather in attendance upon, the divine nomination, they made Saul king, making it their own act and deed to submit to him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–15. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And the people said to Saul: Who is this who said? etc. When the Samaritans did not wish to receive the Lord, the sons of thunder said: Lord, do you want us to call fire to come down from heaven and consume them? And Jesus turned and rebuked them: You do not know of what spirit you are; The Son of Man did not come to destroy, but to save (Luke 9).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Following King Saul's decisive victory over Nahash the Ammonite, the Israelite people, now unified and emboldened by their deliverance, passionately address Samuel. They demand the identification and immediate execution of those individuals who had previously questioned and despised Saul's kingship, demonstrating a fervent, albeit impulsive, loyalty to their newly vindicated leader and a desire to purge any remaining opposition to his reign, reflecting the volatile nature of public sentiment in response to divine intervention.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and theological significance. Dramatic Irony is profoundly evident as the very people who had been divided and some contemptuous of Saul's kingship now vehemently demand retribution against his former detractors, highlighting the volatile and often fickle nature of public opinion, swayed by immediate circumstances. The demand to "put them to death" can be interpreted as Hyperbole, an exaggerated expression of extreme loyalty and zeal, rather than a literal expectation of mass execution, though the intent for severe punishment is undeniably clear. This intense popular sentiment also serves as powerful Foreshadowing for Saul's noble and merciful response in the subsequent verse, setting up a profound Contrast between the people's vengeful impulse and the king's magnanimous, God-inspired wisdom, which ultimately elevates his leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse vividly illustrates the volatile nature of human sentiment and the profound impact of divine vindication. The people's swift shift from skepticism and contempt to zealous, even vengeful, loyalty towards Saul underscores the human tendency to be swayed by immediate success and visible power. Theologically, it highlights how God, in His sovereignty, can use events like Saul's victory to confirm His chosen leader, silencing critics and establishing authority. However, it also raises crucial questions about the appropriate response to opposition, setting the stage for a demonstration of mercy that transcends immediate human impulses for retribution, aligning with a higher divine wisdom that values clemency over vengeance. This tension between human impulse and divine character is a recurring theme throughout biblical narrative.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The passionate demand of the Israelite people in 1 Samuel 11:12 serves as a timeless cautionary tale against the dangers of mob mentality and the impulsive pursuit of vengeance. While their newfound loyalty to Saul was understandable given his miraculous victory, their immediate call for capital punishment against dissenters reveals how easily collective emotion can override principles of justice, mercy, and due process. For believers today, this passage underscores the importance of exercising discernment, even when swept up in popular enthusiasm. It challenges us to reflect on our own reactions to those who oppose or criticize, reminding us that true strength and godly leadership often involve extending grace and forgiveness, rather than seeking retribution. Just as God vindicated Saul through his actions, we are called to trust in God's timing for vindication and to embody His character of mercy, rather than succumbing to the human desire for immediate, often harsh, justice. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a spirit of patience and long-suffering, even when our own convictions or those we support are challenged.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the people so eager to put these men to death?
Answer: The people's eagerness stemmed from a dramatic and immediate shift in public sentiment following Saul's decisive victory over the Ammonites. Prior to this triumph, a faction had openly questioned and despised Saul's kingship, refusing to acknowledge his authority (1 Samuel 10:27). Saul's military success, clearly empowered by the Spirit of God (1 Samuel 11:6), served as undeniable proof of his divine appointment and capability. The people, now unified and zealous in their support for their proven leader, viewed the previous dissenters as traitors who had defied God's chosen king. Their demand for execution was a passionate, albeit impulsive, expression of newfound loyalty and a desire to purge the nation of any perceived disloyalty, thereby solidifying Saul's reign through a display of severe, immediate justice. It was a reaction born of relief, vindication, and a desire for absolute unity under their newly confirmed king.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The people's fervent demand for retribution in 1 Samuel 11:12, born from Saul's vindication as king, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the kingship of Jesus Christ. Unlike Saul, who was a human king appointed by God and whose authority was initially questioned, Jesus is the eternal, divine King whose authority needed no earthly military victory to be established, though His resurrection served as the ultimate divine vindication of His claims and power (Romans 1:4). While the people of Israel sought to execute those who opposed their king, Jesus, the true King, came not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). He did not demand the death of His detractors but rather offered His own life as a redemptive sacrifice for their sins (Mark 10:45). His reign is characterized by mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation, extending grace even to those who reject and crucify Him (Luke 23:34). The ultimate "putting to death" under Christ's reign is the putting to death of sin and the old self, leading to new life in Him (Romans 6:6), rather than the physical execution of His enemies. He is the King who conquers not by vengeance, but by love and self-sacrifice, inviting all to enter His kingdom through repentance and faith, offering abundant life where the world demands death for opposition (John 10:10).