SEV Biblia, Chapter 11:3
Entonces los ancianos de Jabes le dijeron: Danos siete días, para que enviemos mensajeros a todos los términos de Israel; y si nadie hubiere que nos defienda, saldremos a ti.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:3
Verse 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.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 3. And the elders of Jabesh said , etc.] 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-11 - The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilea from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather tha to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
Original Hebrew
ויאמרו 559 אליו 413 זקני 2205 יבישׁ 3003 הרף 7503 לנו שׁבעת 7651 ימים 3117 ונשׁלחה 7971 מלאכים 4397 בכל 3605 גבול 1366 ישׂראל 3478 ואם 518 אין 369 מושׁיע 3467 אתנו 853 ויצאנו 3318 אליך׃ 413
