1 Samuel 11:2
1 Samuel 11:2 in Multiple Translations
But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.”
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.
And Nahash the Ammonite said unto them, On this condition will I make it with you, that all your right eyes be put out; and I will lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.
And Nahash the Ammonite said to them, I will make an agreement with you on this condition, that all your right eyes are put out; so that I may make it a cause of shame to all Israel.
But Nahash the Ammonite responded, “I'll make a peace treaty with you on one condition: that I gouge out everyone's right eye to bring shame on all Israelites.”
And Nahash ye Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a couenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eies, and bring that shame vpon all Israel.
And Nahash the Ammonite saith unto them, 'For this I covenant with you, by picking out to you every right eye — and I have put it a reproach on all Israel.'
Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make it with you, that all your right eyes be gouged out. I will make this dishonor all Israel.”
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.
And Naas the Ammonite answered them: On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may pluck out all your right eyes, and make you a reproach in all Israel.
Nahash replied, “I will do that if you do one thing. Allow us to gouge out all the right eyes of your people. By doing that we will cause the people in other countries to despise all you Israeli people.”
Nahash sent the messenger back to say, “All right. I will not kill you mob dead. I will just take out your eyes. I will take out the right eye from every one of you. That’s the way I will shame you Israel mob. Whenever people from other places look at you mob, you will feel ashamed.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 11:2
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1 Samuel 11:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 11:2
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 11:2
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 11:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 11:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 11:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 11:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 11:2
Context — Saul Defeats the Ammonites
2But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.”
3“Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you.” 4When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 17:26 | David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” |
| 2 | Genesis 34:14 | “We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. |
| 3 | Numbers 16:14 | Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!” |
| 4 | Judges 16:21 | Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison. |
| 5 | Exodus 3:6 | Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:10 | A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 39:7 | Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze chains to take him to Babylon. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 18:31 | Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern, |
1 Samuel 11:2 Summary
In this verse, Nahash the Ammonite is making a cruel demand to the people of Jabesh-gilead, wanting to put out their right eye as a condition of making a treaty with them, as stated in 1 Samuel 11:2. This act would not only cause physical harm but also bring shame and humiliation to the people, similar to how the Philistines treated the Israelites in Judges 16:21. The Bible teaches us that we should trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult situations, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18 and Jeremiah 29:11. By looking to God for guidance and strength, we can find the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity, just like the elders of Jabesh-gilead in 1 Samuel 11:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nahash the Ammonite want to put out the right eye of everyone in Jabesh-gilead?
Nahash wanted to humiliate and bring reproach upon all Israel by maiming the people of Jabesh-gilead, as stated in 1 Samuel 11:2, a tactic to assert his dominance and power over them, similar to how the Philistines treated the Israelites in Judges 16:21.
What was the significance of putting out the right eye?
In ancient times, the right eye was considered a symbol of strength and power, so putting it out would not only be a physical disability but also a public humiliation, as seen in the treatment of Samson in Judges 16:21, and the desire of Nahash to inflict this on the Israelites in 1 Samuel 11:2.
How did the elders of Jabesh-gilead respond to Nahash's demand?
The elders of Jabesh-gilead asked Nahash to hold off for seven days, during which time they would send messengers throughout Israel to see if anyone could come to their rescue, as stated in 1 Samuel 11:3, showing their desire to find an alternative to surrendering to Nahash's cruel condition.
What can we learn from Nahash's condition for making a treaty with Jabesh-gilead?
Nahash's condition reveals his cruel and oppressive nature, and serves as a reminder of the kinds of leaders and influences we should beware of, as warned in Proverbs 29:2, and the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of trouble, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tempted to compromise my values or faith in order to avoid conflict or hardship, and how can I stand firm like the elders of Jabesh-gilead?
- How can I balance the need to be wise and strategic in difficult situations with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in 1 Samuel 11:3 and Psalm 37:3-7?
- In what ways can I be a source of hope and encouragement to others who may be facing oppression or hardship, just as the messengers from Jabesh-gilead brought news of their plight to the rest of Israel in 1 Samuel 11:4?
- What are some modern-day examples of 'putting out the right eye' that I may be experiencing or witnessing in my own life or community, and how can I respond in a way that honors God, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 11:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 11:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 11:2
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:2
Sermons on 1 Samuel 11:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Testing of David by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David, highlighting how God chose David for his faithfulness and concern for God's glory, contrasting him with Saul, who failed God's tests. Da |
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(Gaining God's Approval) 7. the Testing of David by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his faithfulness in mundane tasks, concern for God's glory, and refusal to take revenge agai |
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Destroy Satan's Fortresses in Your Mind by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the story of David and Goliath, emphasizing David's intense concern for God's name and the honor of God's people. David's willingness to face Goliath stemmed |
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The Armies of the Living God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the stark contrast between David and the soldiers of Saul, who viewed God as distant and absent, while David experienced God as a living presence in his life. |
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The Last Hinderance to Revival by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit and not being self-righteous complainers or gossipers. He refers to Jesus' announcement of a new wor |
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Giant Ungainted by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the focus is on the life of Samson, a judge in ancient Israel. The passage being discussed is about Samson being captured by the Philistines, who gouged out his eye |
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Where Is the Secret by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson and the power he possessed as a Nazirite. The preacher emphasizes that Samson's strength did not come from his physical a |





