1 Samuel 11:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} unto the messengers {H4397} that came {H935}, Thus shall ye say {H559} unto the men {H376} of Jabeshgilead {H3003}{H1568}, To morrow {H4279}, by that time the sun {H8121} be hot {H2527}, ye shall have help {H8668}. And the messengers {H4397} came {H935} and shewed {H5046} it to the men {H582} of Jabesh {H3003}; and they were glad {H8055}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To the messengers that had come they said, "Tell the men of Yavesh-Gil'ad, 'Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will have been rescued.'"The messengers returned and told the men of Yavesh; they were overjoyed.

Berean Standard Bible

So they said to the messengers who had come, “Tell the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Deliverance will be yours tomorrow by the time the sun is hot.’” And when the messengers relayed this to the men of Jabesh, they rejoiced.

American Standard Version

And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, To-morrow, by the time the sun is hot, ye shall have deliverance. And the messengers came and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 11:9 marks the dramatic turning point in the siege of Jabesh-Gilead, capturing the precise moment when King Saul's promise of imminent deliverance transformed the city's despair into profound gladness. This verse encapsulates Saul's emerging, Spirit-empowered leadership, demonstrating his decisive action and strategic confidence as he rallied Israel to rescue their brethren from the brutal Ammonite threat, solidifying his nascent kingship through a tangible act of salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture following Saul's anointing and public affirmation as king, yet before his authority is fully established. The narrative begins with Nahash the Ammonite besieging Jabesh-Gilead and imposing a horrific condition for peace: the gouging out of every man's right eye, a brutal act of subjugation and humiliation documented in [1 Samuel 11:2](/1_samuel/11-2 "1 Samuel 11:2 - Nahash's Cruel Demand"). Messengers from Jabesh-Gilead, having exhausted all other avenues, arrive in Gibeah, where Saul hears their desperate plea. The text emphasizes a profound shift in Saul as "[the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul in power](/1_samuel/11-6 "1 Samuel 11:6 - The Spirit of God Empowers Saul"), igniting a righteous anger that propelled him from his quiet life to a decisive call to arms. He dispatches messengers throughout Israel with a powerful symbolic act (cutting up oxen) to rally the tribes. Verse 9 serves as the crucial communication of hope, directly preceding the swift and successful military campaign detailed in [1 Samuel 11:11](/1_samuel/11-11 "1 Samuel 11:11 - Israel's Victory Over the Ammonites"), thereby bridging the initial crisis with the promised deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Jabesh-Gilead held a unique and significant historical bond with the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe. Following a devastating civil war against Benjamin (recounted in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Preservation of Benjamin")), Jabesh-Gilead was the only city that did not participate in the war, leading to its men being spared and their daughters given as wives to the surviving Benjaminite men to prevent the tribe's extinction. This historical connection created a deep sense of obligation and kinship, making Jabesh-Gilead's plight particularly poignant for Saul and the Benjaminites. The Ammonites, led by Nahash, were a long-standing enemy of Israel, often raiding and oppressing the tribes east of the Jordan. The demand to gouge out the right eye was a common ancient Near Eastern practice designed to incapacitate warriors (making it impossible to hold a shield and use a sword effectively) and publicly humiliate the conquered, ensuring their permanent subservience. Saul's specific timing of "by [that time] the sun be hot" (mid-morning to noon) was not merely a casual promise but a confident, strategic declaration, indicating a planned, decisive military operation that would leverage the heat of the day to their advantage or simply convey a precise deadline.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's active intervention through a chosen leader to rescue His people from oppression, echoing the pattern seen throughout the book of Judges where God raised up deliverers. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Hope in Despair**, illustrating how a clear, confident promise of help can transform utter hopelessness into profound relief and joy, a spiritual truth applicable to all who await God's intervention. Thirdly, it is pivotal for the theme of **Saul's Emerging Leadership**. This initial, decisive act of rallying Israel and delivering Jabesh-Gilead cemented Saul's authority and demonstrated his capability as Israel's first king, unifying the disparate tribes under a common cause and fulfilling the people's desire for a king who could "go out before us and fight our battles" ([1 Samuel 8:20](/1_samuel/8-20 "1 Samuel 8:20 - Israel's Demand for a King")). Finally, the **Timeliness of Help** is emphasized, demonstrating God's precise and often urgent response to the cries of His people, reinforcing trust in His perfect timing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hot (Hebrew, _kachom hashshemesh'_):** This phrase, literally "as the heat of the sun," is an idiomatic expression referring to the warmest part of the day, typically mid-morning to noon (around 9 AM to 12 PM). It signifies a precise and imminent timeframe, not a vague promise. Saul's use of this specific timing conveyed absolute confidence in his ability to mobilize and strike, assuring the men of Jabesh-Gilead that help was not merely coming, but would arrive by a definite, measurable point in the very next day. This precision was crucial for instilling hope and preventing surrender.
* **Help (Hebrew, _teshu'ah'_):** The Hebrew word here carries a strong connotation of "salvation" or "deliverance," often from an oppressive or dangerous situation. It is not merely assistance but a decisive act that brings about rescue and relief. In this context, it refers to military deliverance from the Ammonite siege and the horrific mutilation threatened by Nahash. The promise of "help" was a promise of complete liberation and restoration of their dignity.
* **Glad (Hebrew, _samach'_):** This verb denotes a deep sense of joy, delight, or rejoicing. It goes beyond mere relief, indicating a profound emotional shift from the terror and despair they had been experiencing. The news of impending help brought a complete psychological turnaround, demonstrating the powerful impact of a credible promise of rescue on a desperate people. Their "gladness" was a testament to the life-saving nature of Saul's message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead":** This opening clause establishes Saul's authority and his direct command. "They" refers to Saul and his newly gathered forces, or more specifically, Saul himself as the one issuing the directive through his messengers. The formal "Thus shall ye say" underscores the gravity and official nature of the message, ensuring it is delivered precisely as intended to the beleaguered city.
* **"To morrow, by [that time] the sun be hot, ye shall have help":** This is the core of Saul's confident promise. "To morrow" indicates immediate action, emphasizing the urgency. The specific timing, "by [that time] the sun be hot," conveys Saul's strategic planning and certainty, assuring the men of Jabesh-Gilead that their deliverance was not a distant hope but an imminent reality. The declaration "ye shall have help" is a powerful, unequivocal assurance of rescue, designed to instill courage and prevent surrender.
* **"And the messengers came and shewed [it] to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad":** This final clause highlights the immediate and profound impact of Saul's message. The swift return of the messengers demonstrates the urgency of the situation and Saul's efficiency. The reaction of the men of Jabesh-Gilead—their transformation from despair to "gladness"—underscores the life-giving power of hope and the immense relief brought by the promise of divine intervention through their newly appointed king.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as Saul's confident promise of "help" directly anticipates and sets the stage for the decisive victory described in the subsequent verses. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, juxtaposing the initial despair and terror of Jabesh-Gilead with the sudden, overwhelming "gladness" brought by the news. This highlights the transformative power of hope and divine intervention. The phrase "by [that time] the sun be hot" serves as vivid **Imagery**, conjuring a precise temporal setting and conveying a sense of urgency and strategic planning. Furthermore, the narrative demonstrates a clear **Narrative Arc**, moving from crisis (the siege and Nahash's demand) to the turning point of hope (Saul's promise) before the ultimate resolution (the battle and victory). The very act of sending messengers and their reception also functions as a form of **Dramatic Tension and Release**, building anticipation for the promised deliverance and then providing immediate emotional relief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 11:9 powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they have chosen a king like the nations around them. Though Israel sought a human king, it is God who empowers Saul, and it is His divine "help" that is ultimately extended through Saul's leadership. This passage reinforces the biblical truth that God is the ultimate source of salvation and deliverance, often working through human instruments. The specific, timely promise of "help" speaks to God's precise timing in addressing the needs of His people, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, God's intervention is often imminent and perfectly orchestrated. The transformation from despair to gladness underscores the profound spiritual impact of receiving a word of hope and the assurance of God's presence in times of distress.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalm/121-1 "Psalm 121:1-2 - Where Does My Help Come From?")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Fear Not, for I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound shift from despair to gladness in Jabesh-Gilead, sparked by a confident promise of help, offers timeless lessons for our own lives and ministries. In a world often plagued by fear, hopelessness, and overwhelming challenges, we are reminded of the transformative power of a timely word of encouragement and the assurance of God's presence. Just as Saul's messengers brought life-altering news, we too are called to be conduits of hope, sharing the good news of God's faithfulness and intervention with those who are suffering or in distress. This verse challenges us to trust in God's perfect timing, even when our circumstances seem dire and immediate relief appears impossible. It encourages us to pray for and actively seek God's "help" in our personal battles and to respond courageously, as Saul did, when we perceive a need for divine intervention in the lives of others, remembering that God often works through willing vessels.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific timing of Saul's promise ("by the time the sun be hot") encourage us to trust in God's precise timing, even when our circumstances seem dire?**
* **In what ways can we, like the messengers, be conduits of hope and good news to those who are in despair or facing overwhelming challenges?**
* **What "impossible" situations in your life or community are you praying for God's timely "help" to arrive?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "by [that time] the sun be hot"?**

Answer: The phrase "by [that time] the sun be hot" (Hebrew: *kachom hashshemesh*) is an idiomatic expression in ancient Hebrew that refers to the warmest part of the day, typically mid-morning to noon (approximately 9 AM to 12 PM). Its significance lies in its precision and the confidence it conveyed. It was not a vague promise of future assistance but a specific, measurable deadline for deliverance. For the besieged men of Jabesh-Gilead, this precision instilled immediate hope and trust, indicating that Saul had a clear plan and the capability to execute it swiftly. For Saul, it demonstrated his strategic intent and military resolve, suggesting a planned dawn march and a mid-morning assault, a common tactic to catch an enemy off guard after a night of watch.

**Why was Jabesh-Gilead so important to Saul and Israel?**

Answer: Jabesh-Gilead held a unique and deeply significant historical connection to the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe. As recorded in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Preservation of Benjamin"), after a devastating civil war that nearly annihilated the tribe of Benjamin, the men of Jabesh-Gilead were the only ones who did not participate in the war. Consequently, their virgins were spared and given as wives to the surviving Benjaminite men to prevent the tribe's extinction. This act created a profound and lasting bond of gratitude and kinship between Benjamin (and by extension, all Israel) and Jabesh-Gilead. For Saul, a Benjaminite, the plight of Jabesh-Gilead was not merely a distant crisis but a personal and tribal obligation, making his swift and decisive response all the more understandable and imperative.

**How did this event solidify Saul's kingship?**

Answer: This event was Saul's first major act of decisive leadership and military success as king, effectively solidifying his nascent monarchy. Prior to this, his kingship was primarily established through prophetic anointing ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King")) and public acclamation ([1 Samuel 10:24](/1_samuel/10-24 "1 Samuel 10:24 - Saul Proclaimed King at Mizpah")), but he had not yet performed a significant act of deliverance. His Spirit-empowered response to the crisis, his ability to rally all the tribes of Israel ([1 Samuel 11:7](/1_samuel/11-7 "1 Samuel 11:7 - Saul Rallies Israel")), and his subsequent overwhelming victory over the Ammonites ([1 Samuel 11:11](/1_samuel/11-11 "1 Samuel 11:11 - Israel's Victory")) proved his capability as a military leader and a deliverer. This success led to a renewed and enthusiastic affirmation of his kingship at Gilgal ([1 Samuel 11:15](/1_samuel/11-15 "1 Samuel 11:15 - Saul's Kingship Renewed at Gilgal")), demonstrating that he was indeed the king God had provided to "save us from the hand of our enemies" ([1 Samuel 9:16](/1_samuel/9-16 "1 Samuel 9:16 - God's Promise of a Deliverer")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The timely "help" promised by Saul in 1 Samuel 11:9, which brought gladness and deliverance to Jabesh-Gilead, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and eternal "help" provided by Jesus Christ. While Saul delivered Israel from a physical enemy and a temporal threat, Jesus, the true King of Israel, came to deliver humanity from a far greater enemy: sin and death. The despair of Jabesh-Gilead under the threat of mutilation and subjugation mirrors the spiritual bondage and hopelessness of humanity under the curse of sin, a plight from which no human king or military might could truly rescue us. Just as Saul's promise brought immediate gladness, the Gospel message of Christ's finished work on the cross brings profound and lasting joy to all who believe, for He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He entered our desperate situation, not with a promise of temporal aid, but with the definitive act of salvation, conquering death and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Christ's deliverance is not merely "by the time the sun be hot" but is an eternal reality, secured by His death and resurrection, offering true freedom and everlasting life ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the ultimate deliverer who has "delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")), ensuring our victory over sin and death forever ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")).

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

Psalms 18:17

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.