Jabeshgilead

2023-09-26

This town did not help against the Benjamites during the civil war in Judges, and the people were destroyed resultingly. However, the men of this city later were honorable men.

When Nahash and the Ammonites came up against them, they would have been forced into servitude and blinded. “Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel” (1 Samuel 11:1-2).

Saul delivered Jabeshgilead from the Ammonites with 330,000 men. “And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly” (1 Samuel 11:6). “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” (1 Samuel 11:11).

Later, when Saul and his sons were defeated by the Philistines, the men of Jabesh remembered their deliverance by the king and took their bodies and buried them. “And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days” (1 Samuel 31:11-13). David later recognized their work. “And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him” (2 Samuel 2:5).

Remember those who helped you throughout your life.