1 Samuel 11:7

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.

And he took {H3947} a yoke {H6776} of oxen {H1241}, and hewed them in pieces {H5408}, and sent {H7971} them throughout all the coasts {H1366} of Israel {H3478} by the hands {H3027} of messengers {H4397}, saying {H559}, Whosoever cometh not forth {H3318} after {H310} Saul {H7586} and after {H310} Samuel {H8050}, so shall it be done {H6213} unto his oxen {H1241}. And the fear {H6343} of the LORD {H3068} fell {H5307} on the people {H5971}, and they came out {H3318} with one {H259} consent {H376}.

he seized a pair of oxen and cut them in pieces; then he sent them throughout the territory of Isra'el with messengers saying, "Anyone who doesn't come and follow Sha'ul and Sh'mu'el, this is what will be done to his oxen!"The fear of ADONAI fell on the people, and they came out with united hearts.

He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they turned out as one man.

And he took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the dread of Jehovah fell on the people, and they came out as one man.

Commentary

1 Samuel 11:7 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Saul, showcasing his decisive leadership and God's hand in uniting Israel against a common enemy, the Ammonites.

Context of 1 Samuel 11:7

Following his anointing and initial public presentation as king, Saul faced the immediate crisis of Nahash the Ammonite threatening the city of Jabesh-Gilead. Israel at this time was largely disunited, operating more as a loose confederation of tribes than a unified nation. Saul's dramatic act was a response to this dire situation and a powerful call to arms, demonstrating his resolve and capacity for leadership after a period of relative obscurity and even humility (1 Samuel 10:22).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Decisive Leadership: Saul's act of cutting the oxen into pieces and sending them throughout Israel was a powerful, ancient Near Eastern custom used to summon people for war or a critical assembly. It conveyed a dire warning: failure to respond would result in a similar fate for the disobedient. This shocking display marked Saul's emergence as a bold and effective leader, ready to defend his people.
  • Divine Catalyst for Unity: The verse states, "And the fear of the LORD fell on the people." This was not merely human terror but a divinely inspired sense of awe and urgency. It compelled the fragmented tribes to set aside their differences and respond "with one consent," demonstrating God's active role in uniting His people under Saul's leadership.
  • Consequences of Inaction: The implied threat served as a strong motivator, highlighting the severe consequences for those who refused to rally behind the newly appointed king and the prophet Samuel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: pachad Yahweh) is significant. It describes a profound reverence and awe inspired by God, which often leads to obedience and right action. In this context, it was a supernatural influence that overcame any hesitation or tribal disloyalty, uniting the people for a common, divinely sanctioned cause. The phrase "with one consent" further emphasizes the remarkable and immediate unity achieved.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God can use unexpected and even stark methods to achieve His purposes, particularly in raising up leaders and uniting His people. For believers today, it highlights the importance of decisive leadership in times of crisis and the power of divine enablement to bring about unity and effective action. Just as the fear of the Lord prompted Israel to respond, a healthy reverence for God can motivate us to obey His call and participate in His work, even when it requires sacrifice or bold steps.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 19:29 (5 votes)

    And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, [together] with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.

  • Judges 20:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • Judges 21:5 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel said, Who [is there] among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.

  • Judges 21:11 (2 votes)

    And this [is] the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.

  • Genesis 35:5 (2 votes)

    And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that [were] round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:14 (2 votes)

    And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.