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 ויאמרו559 אליו413 זקני2205 יבישׁ3003 הרף7503 לנו שׁבעת7651 ימים3117 ונשׁלחה7971 מלאכים4397 בכל3605 גבול1366 ישׂראל3478 ואם518 אין369 מושׁיע3467 אתנו853 ויצאנו3318 אליך׃413
