Shemuel I Perek 11

Shemuel I Perek 11-
Sefer Shemuel is taught by Mrs. Marjorie Salem, teacher at Allegra Franco Teachers Seminary
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A Summary provided by Rabbi Jack Abramowitz of the Orthodox Union:
Nahash, ruler of Ammon, attacked the city of Yavesh. They asked for a pact, in which case they would agree to serve him. He said, “One one condition – each of you must put out his right eye.” The people of Yavesh asked for a week’s time. They then sent messengers to get help. 

When the people heard of the attack, they wept. Shaul came in from plowing his field and asked what the commotion was. When he heard what occurred, he took charge. He cut two oxen into pieces and had them sent throughout the land, saying that’s what would be done to the oxen of anyone who doesn’t join the fight. 

330,000 troops gathered and they sent word to Yavesh that they would be saved by the next afternoon. The people of Yavesh told Nahash, “We’re coming to you tomorrow.” Nahash took that to mean they would surrender the next day, so he was unprepared for attack. 

Shaul divided his forces into three companies, which entered the Ammonite camp at dawn. They routed the Ammonites and the few survivors scattered. The Jews were so inspired by Shaul’s leadership that they wanted to execute those who had bad-mouthed Shaul for their treasonous slander. Shaul refused to have anybody executed on a day on which Hashem had wrought such a victory. Instead, they retired to Gilgal, where they crowned Shaul again, this time unanimously. They offered sacrifices to Hashem and rejoiced there.

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