the Fourth Week after Easter
Click here to join the effort!
Read the Bible
Izhibhalo Ezingcwele
1 KaSamuweli 11:3
Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
- AmericanEncyclopedias:
- CondensedBible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
Give us: Heb. Forbear us
Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 11:10 - To morrow Isaiah 36:16 - come out
Gill's Notes on the Bible
And the elders of Jabesh said,.... The magistrates and principal men of the city:
give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers to all the coasts of Israel; that is, cease from besieging them, from throwing in darts into the city, or any other missive weapons, and from attempting to break open the gates, or break down the walls of it, and storm it; such a space of time they desire, which was as little as could be granted, to go and return in, and without this it would not be a reproach to all Israel, if they were ill used by them, since they had no knowledge of their case, nor time to come up for their assistance:
and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee; and submit to be used at thy pleasure. And it seems that this was granted by Nahash out of a bravado, and to reproach and insult all Israel, and bid them defiance; with whom he sought to quarrel, having a design upon their land, and knowing very well their condition, being awed by the Philistines; and having just chosen a king, and he an inexperienced man in the affairs of war, and had no army; nor was it likely that one could be assembled in so short a time, and come to the relief of this people, and therefore he thought himself safe enough in granting their request.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
The elders - Observe the universal form of civil government among the Israelites, by elders (Judges 8:14, Judges 8:16, etc.).
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 1 Samuel 11:3. Give us seven days respite — Such promises are frequently made by besieged places: "We will surrender if not relieved in so many days;" and such conditions are generally received by the besiegers.
