TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
Complete Jewish Bible
The Spirit of God fell on Sha'ul when he heard this; blazing furiously with anger,
Berean Standard Bible
When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger.
American Standard Version
And the Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul when he heard those words, and his anger was kindled greatly.
World English Bible Messianic
The Spirit of God came mightily on Saul when he heard those words, and his anger was kindled greatly.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the Spirit of God came vpon Saul, when he heard those tidings, and he was exceeding angrie,
Young's Literal Translation
And the Spirit of God doth prosper over Saul, in his hearing these words, and his anger burneth greatly,
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 11 verses 5–11
5 ¶ And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.
6 And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.
8 And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.
9 And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.
10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you.
11 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.
What is here related turns very much to the honour of Saul, and shows the happy fruits of that other spirit with which he was endued. Observe here,
I. His humility. Though he was anointed king, and accepted by his people, yet he did not think it below him to know the state of his own flocks, but went himself to see them, and came in the evening, with his servants, after the herd out of the field, Sa1 11:5. This was an evidence that he was not puffed up with his advancement, as those are most apt to be that are raised from a mean estate. Providence had not yet found him business as a king; he left all to Samuel; and therefore, rather than be idle, he would, for the present, apply himself to his country business again. Though the sons of Belial would, perhaps, despise him the more for it, such as were virtuous and wise, and loved business themselves, would think never the worse of him. He had no revenues settled upon him for the support of his dignity, and he was desirous not to be burdensome to the people, for which reason, like Paul, he worked with his hands; for, if he neglect his domestic affairs, how must he maintain himself and his family? Solomon gives it as a reason why men should look well to their herds because the crown doth not endure to every generation, Pro 27:23, Pro 27:24. Saul's did not; he must therefore provide something surer.
II. His concern for his neighbours. When he perceived them in tears, he asked, "What ails the people that they weep? Let me know, that, if it be a grievance which can be redressed, I may help them, and that, if not, I may weep with them." Good magistrates are in pain if their subjects are in tears.
III. His zeal for the safety and honour of Israel. When he heard of the insolence of the Ammonites, and the distress of a city, a mother in Israel, the Spirit of God came upon him, and put great thoughts into his mind, and his anger was kindled greatly, Sa1 11:6. He was angry at the insolence of the Ammonites, angry at the mean and sneaking spirit of the men of Jabesh-Gilead, angry that they had not sent him notice sooner of the Ammonites' descent and the extremity they were likely to be reduced to. He was angry to see his neighbours weeping, when it was fitter for them to be preparing for war. It was a brave and generous fire that was now kindled in the breast of Saul, and such as became his high station.
IV. The authority and power he exerted upon this important occasion. He soon let Israel know that, though he had retired to his privacy, he had a care for the public, and knew how to command men into the field, as well as how to drive cattle out of the field, Sa1 11:5, Sa1 11:7. He sent a summons to all the coasts of Israel, to show the extent of his power beyond his own tribe, even to all the tribes, and ordered all the military men forthwith to appear in arms at a general rendezvous in Bezek. Observe, 1. His modesty, in joining Samuel in commission with himself. He would not execute the office of a king without a due regard to that of a prophet. 2. His mildness in the penalty threatened against those that should disobey his orders. He hews a yoke of oxen in pieces, and sends the pieces to the several cities of Israel, threatening, with respect to him who should decline the public service, not, "Thus shall it be done to him," but, "Thus shall it be done to his oxen." God had threatened it as a great judgment (Deu 28:31), Thy ox shall be slain before thy eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof. It was necessary that the command should be enforced with some penalty, but this was not nearly so severe as that which was affixed to a similar order by the whole congregation, Jdg 21:5. Saul wished to show that his government was more gentle than that which they had been under. The effect of this summons was that the militia, or trained bands, of the nation, came out as one man, and the reason given is, because the fear of the Lord fell upon them. Saul did not affect to make them fear him, but they were influenced to observe his orders by the fear of God and a regard to him who had made Saul their king and them members one of another. Note, Religion and the fear of God will make men good subjects, good soldiers, and good friends to the public interests of the country. Those that fear God will make conscience of their duty to all men, particularly to their rulers.
V. His prudent proceedings in this great affair, Sa1 11:8. He numbered those that came in to him, that he might know his own strength, and how to distribute his forces in the best manner their numbers would allow. It is the honour of princes to know the number of their men, but it is the honour of the King of kings that there is not any number of his armies, Job 25:3. In this muster, it seems, Judah, though numbered by itself, made no great figure; for, as it was one tribe of twelve, so it was but an eleventh part of the whole number, 30,330, though the rendezvous was at Bezek, in that tribe. They wanted the numbers, or the courage, or the zeal for which that tribe used to be famous; so low was it, just before the sceptre was brought into it in David.
VI. His faith and confidence, and (grounded thereon) his courage and resolution, in this enterprise. It should seem that those very messengers who brought the tidings from Jabesh-Gilead Saul sent into the country to raise the militia, who would be sure to be faithful and careful in their own business, and them he now sends back to their distressed countrymen, with this assurance (in which, it is probable, Samuel encouraged him): "Tomorrow, by such an hour, before the enemy can pretend that the seven days have expired, you shall have deliverance, Sa1 11:9. Be you ready to do your part, and we will not fail to do ours. Do you sally out upon the besiegers, while we surround them." Saul knew he had a just cause, a clear call, and God on his side, and therefore doubted not of success. This was good news to the besieged Gileadites, whose right eyes had wept themselves dry for their calamities, and now began to fail with looking for relief and to ache in expectation of the doom of the ensuing day, when they must look their last; the greater the exigence the more welcome the deliverance. When they heard it they were glad, relying on the assurances that were sent to them. And they sent into the enemies' camp (Sa1 11:10) to tell them that next day they would be ready to meet them, which the enemies understood as an intimation that they despaired of relief, and so were made the more secure by it. If they took not care, by sending out scouts, to rectify their own mistake, they must thank themselves if they were surprised: the besieged were under no obligation to give them notice of the help they were assured of.
VII. His industry and close application to this business. If he had been bred up to war from his youth, and had led regiments as often as he had followed droves, he could not have gone about an affair of this nature more dexterously nor more diligently. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men it will make them expert even without experience. A vast army (especially in comparison with the present usage) Saul had now at his foot, and a long march before him, nearly sixty miles, and over Jordan too. No cavalry in his army, but all infantry, which he divides into three battalions, Sa1 11:11. And observe, 1. With what incredible swiftness he flew to the enemy. In a day and a night he came to the place of action, where his own fate, and that of Israel, must be determined. He had passed his word, and would not break it; nay, he was better than his word, for he promised help next day, by that time the sun was hot (Sa1 11:9), but brought it before day, in the morning-watch, Sa1 11:11. Whom God helps he helps right early, Psa 46:5. 2. With what incredible bravery he flew upon the enemy. Betimes in the morning, when they lay dreaming of the triumphs they expected that day over the miserable inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, before they were aware he was in the midst of their host; and his men, being marched against them in three columns, surrounded them on every side, so that they could have neither heart nor time to make head against them.
Lastly, To complete his honour, God crowned all these virtues with success. Jabesh-Gilead was rescued, and the Ammonites were totally routed; he had now the day before him to complete his victory in, and so complete a victory it was that those who remained, after a great slaughter, were scattered so that two of them were not left together to encourage or help one another, Sa1 11:11. We may suppose that Saul was the more vigorous in this matter, 1. Because there was some alliance between the tribe of Benjamin and the city of Jabesh-Gilead. That city had declined joining with the rest of the Israelites to destroy Gibeah, which was then punished as their crime, but perhaps was now remembered as their kindness, when Saul of Gibeah came with so much readiness and resolution to relieve Jabesh-Gilead. Yet that was not all; two-thirds of the Benjamites that then remained were provided with wives from that city (Jdg 21:14), so that most of the mothers of Benjamin were daughters of Jabesh-Gilead, for which city Saul, being a Benjamite, had therefore a particular kindness; and we find they returned his kindness, Sa1 31:11, Sa1 31:12. 2. Because it was the Ammonites' invasion that induced the people to desire a king (so Samuel says, Sa1 12:12), so that if he had not done his part, in this expedition, he would have disappointed their expectations, and for ever forfeited their respect.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–11. Public domain.
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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
1 Samuel 11:6 marks a pivotal moment in Saul's early reign, vividly portraying the transformative and empowering descent of the Spirit of God upon him. This divine enablement occurred immediately after Saul heard the distressing news of the Ammonite threat against Jabesh-Gilead, igniting within him a profound and righteous anger. This divinely-kindled indignation served as the catalyst for Saul's decisive action, compelling him to unify the fragmented tribes of Israel and lead them to victory, thereby publicly validating his anointing and establishing his authority as king.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed following the desperate appeal from the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, who faced a brutal ultimatum from Nahash the Ammonite: surrender and have their right eyes gouged out. Messengers disseminated this dire news throughout Israel, reaching Gibeah, Saul's hometown, where he was tending his oxen. The weeping of the people, which Saul encountered, underscored the gravity of the crisis. This event serves as the crucial test of Saul's nascent kingship, directly fulfilling Samuel's earlier prophecy that the Spirit of the LORD would come mightily upon him, transforming him into "another man." Having been privately anointed by Samuel in 1 Samuel 10:1 and publicly confirmed at Mizpah in 1 Samuel 10:24, Saul now had the opportunity to demonstrate his divinely appointed leadership by rallying a unified military response against a formidable enemy.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period of Saul's reign marked Israel's transition from a loose tribal confederacy, intermittently governed by charismatic judges, to a centralized monarchy. This shift was largely driven by the persistent external threats from surrounding nations, such as the Philistines and, in this instance, the Ammonites. The Ammonites, a Transjordanian people, were frequent adversaries of Israel, and their demand for eye-gouging was a common ancient Near Eastern practice designed to inflict maximum humiliation, incapacitate warriors, and deter future rebellion. The people's primary expectation of a king was that of a military deliverer, capable of uniting the disparate tribes under a single command to repel invaders. Saul, as the first king, was under immense pressure to fulfill this expectation, and the divine empowerment described in this verse was indispensable for him to effectively step into this role and galvanize a fragmented nation for war, demonstrating God's provision for His people in their time of need.
Key Themes: A predominant theme in this passage is Divine Empowerment for Leadership, illustrating God's active role in equipping those He calls for specific tasks. The "Spirit of God" coming upon Saul signifies a special, temporary enablement for a particular purpose, mirroring the experiences of judges like Othniel and Samson, emphasizing God's direct intervention in raising up deliverers. Another crucial theme is Righteous Anger. Saul's anger, far from being a sinful outburst, is portrayed as a divinely-inspired indignation against injustice and oppression. This holy wrath, a righteous zeal, propelled him to act decisively for the protection of God's people, distinguishing it sharply from destructive, self-serving rage. Finally, this event serves as Saul's Confirmation as King. Although he had been chosen and proclaimed, this military crisis provided the first significant opportunity for him to demonstrate tangible leadership and for the people to fully rally behind him, solidifying his position as their divinely appointed monarch and setting the stage for the renewal of his kingship at Gilgal in 1 Samuel 11:15.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is Divine Intervention, where God directly acts through His Spirit to empower Saul, underscoring the theological truth that legitimate leadership in Israel is divinely appointed and enabled. The phrase "the Spirit of God came upon Saul" functions as a form of Metonymy, where "Spirit of God" represents the divine power and presence that profoundly transforms Saul. The description of Saul's anger being "kindled greatly" uses Hyperbole to emphasize the intensity and righteous nature of his wrath, ensuring the reader understands it as a powerful, divinely-inspired emotion rather than a human flaw or uncontrolled outburst. This anger also serves as a Symbol of righteous zeal and the catalyst for Saul's decisive action, standing in stark contrast to later instances of his sinful, uncontrolled rage. Furthermore, this initial empowerment by the Spirit and its subsequent withdrawal later in Saul's reign (1 Samuel 16:14) subtly creates a Foreshadowing of the conditional nature of God's anointing and the tragic trajectory of Saul's kingship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the Old Testament concept of the Spirit of God empowering individuals for specific divine purposes, particularly in leadership and deliverance. Unlike the New Covenant indwelling of the Holy Spirit, this was a dynamic, often temporary, anointing for a particular task or season. It underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, raising up and equipping leaders to fulfill His purposes and protect His people. Saul's righteous anger, far from being a sin, demonstrates that there is a holy indignation against evil and injustice that can be divinely inspired, serving as a catalyst for necessary action and defense of the vulnerable. This highlights a facet of God's own character—His righteous wrath against sin and oppression—reflected in His chosen instruments, providing a model for how God's people should respond to profound injustice.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 11:6 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God continues to equip those He calls for specific tasks, ministries, and challenges. While the nature of the Spirit's work has transitioned from temporary empowerment for specific acts to a permanent indwelling and transformative presence under the New Covenant, the fundamental principle of divine enablement for service remains steadfast. We are not left to our own limited strength to fulfill God's purposes; rather, the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us for witness, service, and spiritual warfare in our daily lives. Furthermore, this passage challenges our often-negative perception of anger, revealing that there can be a righteous indignation against injustice, oppression, and sin that is not only permissible but divinely inspired. This "holy anger" should motivate us to act for what is good and right, to speak out against evil, and to defend the vulnerable, rather than leading to destructive rage or passive resignation. For leaders, it underscores the indispensable necessity of divine guidance and empowerment to face daunting challenges, courageously protect those under their care, and act with integrity and conviction.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does 'the Spirit of God came upon Saul' mean in the Old Testament context?
Answer: In the Old Testament, "the Spirit of God coming upon" an individual typically signified a special, temporary endowment of divine power, wisdom, or ability for a specific task or period. It was not a permanent indwelling as understood in the New Covenant, but rather a dynamic enabling for specific acts of leadership, prophecy, or military prowess. For Saul, it meant he was divinely equipped with the courage, strategic insight, and authority needed to unite Israel and lead them in battle, fulfilling his role as God's chosen king. This is similar to how the Spirit empowered judges like Samson (Judges 14:6) or prophets like Elijah.
Was Saul's anger sinful, or was it a righteous emotion?
Answer: Saul's anger in 1 Samuel 11:6 is presented as a righteous, divinely-kindled indignation rather than a sinful outburst. The text explicitly states that the Spirit of God came upon him, and then his anger was greatly kindled. This implies that his anger was not a product of his own sinful nature but a holy wrath, a zeal against the injustice and severe threat posed by Nahash the Ammonite. This type of anger, directed against evil and for the protection of God's people, is distinct from destructive, uncontrolled rage and is often a catalyst for necessary and just action. It mirrors God's own righteous anger against sin and oppression, as seen in various biblical accounts.
How does this event confirm Saul's kingship to the people of Israel?
Answer: While Saul had been privately anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1) and publicly proclaimed king at Mizpah (1 Samuel 10:24), his kingship lacked widespread popular acceptance and a decisive demonstration of his leadership. The crisis at Jabesh-Gilead provided the perfect opportunity. When the Spirit of God came upon him, it empowered him to rally the fragmented tribes of Israel into a unified fighting force, leading them to a decisive victory over the Ammonites. This military success, clearly enabled by divine power, served as a powerful, public validation of his anointing. It demonstrated to all Israel that God was indeed with Saul, confirming his legitimacy and ability to lead as their divinely appointed king, leading to a renewed confirmation of his kingship at Gilgal (1 Samuel 11:15).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 11:6 describes the temporary, empowering work of the Spirit upon Saul for a specific kingly task, it ultimately points forward to the perfect and ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Unlike Saul, whose anointing by the Spirit was conditional and eventually withdrawn due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 16:14), Jesus was permanently and fully indwelt by the Holy Spirit from His baptism, without measure (John 3:34). The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Him, equipping Him not merely for military deliverance, but for the ultimate spiritual deliverance—preaching good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1-2, a prophecy Jesus Himself claimed to fulfill in Luke 4:18-19). Furthermore, Jesus Himself displayed righteous anger against sin and injustice, as powerfully seen in His cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-17), demonstrating a holy zeal for God's honor and the purity of His house. Through Christ's finished work on the cross, the Spirit is now poured out on all believers, not for temporary empowerment for a kingly office, but for permanent indwelling, transforming us into His likeness and empowering us for witness and service in the new covenant (John 14:16-17, Acts 2:1-4, Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, Saul's experience foreshadows the perfect, Spirit-filled King and the greater, permanent outpouring of the Spirit available to all who are in Christ.