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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 11:5 Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. "What troubles the people?" asked Saul. "Why are they weeping?" And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/11-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/09_1Sa_11_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 11:5 - Saul Defeats the Ammonites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. 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Why are they weeping?&#8221 Then they repeated to him what the men of Jabesh had said. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> Saul had been plowing a field with his oxen, and when he returned to town, he asked, “What’s the matter? Why is everyone crying?” So they told him about the message from Jabesh. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now, behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/11.htm">King James Bible</a> And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/11.htm">New King James Version</a> Now there was Saul, coming behind the herd from the field; and Saul said, “What troubles the people, that they weep?” And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and Saul said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they reported to him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, &#8220What is the matter with the people that they weep?&#8221 So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen; and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they recounted to him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now Saul was coming out of the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they are weeping?” So they told him about the report of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind his oxen. “What’s the matter with the people? Why are they weeping? ” Saul inquired, and they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind his oxen. &#8220What&#8217s the matter with the people? Why are they weeping?&#8221 Saul inquired, and they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Just then, Saul came in from the fields, walking behind his oxen. "Why is everyone crying?" Saul asked. They told him what the men from Jabesh had said. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Just then Saul was coming from the field behind some oxen. "Why are these people crying?" Saul asked. So they told him the news about the men of Jabesh. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> Saul was just then coming in from the field with his oxen, and he asked, "What's wrong? Why is everyone crying?" They told him what the messengers from Jabesh had reported. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind the oxen and he said, "What's with the people? Why are they crying?" They reported to him what the men of Jabesh had said. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. ?What troubles the people?? asked Saul. ?Why are they weeping?? And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. <a href="/net/1_samuel/11.htm">NET Bible</a> Now Saul was walking behind the oxen as he came from the field. Saul asked, "What has happened to the people? Why are they weeping?" So they told him about the men of Jabesh. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Look, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, "What ails the people that they weep?" They told him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/web/1_samuel/11.htm">World English Bible</a> Behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, “What ails the people that they weep?” They told him the words of the men of Jabesh. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and behold, Saul has come out of the field after the herd, and Saul says, “What [is that] to the people, that they weep?” And they recount the words of the men of Jabesh to him. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and lo, Saul hath come after the herd out of the field, and Saul saith, 'What -- to the people, that they weep?' and they recount to him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And behold, Saul came after the cattle from the field; and Saul will say, What to the people that they will weep? and they will recount to him the words of the men of Jabesh.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And behold Saul came, following oxen out of the field, and he said: What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabes. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And behold, Saul arrived, following oxen from the field. And he said, “What has happened to the people that they would weep?” And they explained to him the words of the men from Jabesh. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/11.htm">New American Bible</a> Just then Saul came in from the field, behind his oxen. “Why are the people weeping?” he asked. They repeated the message of the inhabitants of Jabesh for him. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen; and Saul said, “What is the matter with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the message from the inhabitants of Jabesh.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And, behold, Saul was coming behind the oxen from the field; and Saul said, What ails the people that they are weeping? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And behold, Shaul came after the oxen from the field, and Shaul said: “What is it with the people, that they weep?” And they related to him the words of the men of Lakish<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said: 'What aileth the people that they weep?' And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And, behold, Saul came after the early morning out of the field: and Saul said, Why does the people week? and they tell him the words of the men of Jabis. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/11-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2686" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/11.htm">Saul Defeats the Ammonites</a> …4When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. 5<a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">Just then</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">was returning</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: haś·śā·ḏeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">the field,</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">behind</a> <a href="/hebrew/1241.htm" title="1241: hab·bā·qār (Art:: N-ms) -- Cattle, herd, an ox. From baqar; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender; collectively, a herd.">his oxen.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What troubles</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: lā·‘ām (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: yiḇ·kū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">are they weeping?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5608.htm" title="5608: way·sap·pə·rū- (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To count, recount, relate. ">And they relayed</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the words of</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3003.htm" title="3003: yā·ḇêš (N-proper-fs) -- A place in Gilead, also an Isr. The same as yabesh; Jobesh, the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine.">from Jabesh.</a> 6When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Judges 6:11-12</a> Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. / And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” <a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">1 Samuel 10:26-27</a> Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. / But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">1 Samuel 15:17</a> And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel <a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a> And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-37</a> David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">2 Samuel 7:8</a> Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19</a> So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. <a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Psalm 78:70-72</a> He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands. <a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14-15</a> “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. / But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8-9</a> And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. / Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-14</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ... <a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a> When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Acts 9:4-6</a> He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. / “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” <a href="/acts/13-21.htm">Acts 13:21-22</a> Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. / After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’ <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What ails the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.after the herd<a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.<a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19</a> So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.<a href="/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71</a> From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.What aileth thee<a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">Genesis 21:17</a> And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.<a href="/judges/18-23.htm">Judges 18:23</a> And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?<a href="/isaiah/22-1.htm">Isaiah 22:1</a> The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/18-24.htm">Aileth</a> <a href="/judges/18-24.htm">Ails</a> <a href="/judges/20-43.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Herd</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-3.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-16.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/judges/5-11.htm">Recount</a> <a href="/joshua/2-23.htm">Related</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-17.htm">Returning</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-2.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-16.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Words</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/14-5.htm">Aileth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-5.htm">Ails</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-20.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-32.htm">Herd</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-9.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-7.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-4.htm">Recount</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-6.htm">Related</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-15.htm">Returning</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-6.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-6.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-16.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-6.htm">Words</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-5.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 11</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">Nahash offers them of Jabesh Gilead a reproachful condition</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">They send messengers, and are delivered by Saul</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/11-12.htm">Saul thereby is confirmed, and his kingdom renewed</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. This phrase highlights Saul's humble beginnings and his connection to agrarian life, reflecting the simplicity and humility often associated with biblical leaders before their rise to power. Saul, though anointed as king, was still engaged in everyday labor, indicating the transitional period of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. This setting underscores the contrast between Saul's current life and his future role as king. The use of oxen for plowing fields was common in ancient Israel, emphasizing the agricultural society of the time.“What troubles the people?” asked Saul. Saul's inquiry demonstrates his concern for the people, a quality expected of a leader. This moment foreshadows his role as a protector and deliverer of Israel. The question also indicates Saul's initial ignorance of the crisis, suggesting a disconnect between him and the political affairs of the nation, which may reflect the decentralized nature of Israelite society before the establishment of a strong monarchy.“Why are they weeping?” The weeping of the people signifies a communal distress, often seen in the Old Testament as a response to threats or calamities. This emotional reaction is indicative of the gravity of the situation faced by the Israelites, specifically the threat from Nahash the Ammonite. Weeping in biblical texts often precedes divine intervention or the rise of a deliverer, setting the stage for Saul's leadership.And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. The men from Jabesh Gilead were under siege by Nahash the Ammonite, who threatened to gouge out the right eye of every man, a tactic meant to disgrace and incapacitate them. This phrase connects to the broader narrative of Israel's need for a king to unify and protect them from external threats. The mention of Jabesh Gilead also ties back to the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, as the people of Jabesh had previously shown kindness to the Benjamites (<a href="/judges/21-8.htm">Judges 21:8-14</a>), creating a personal connection for Saul. This moment serves as a catalyst for Saul's emergence as a leader, fulfilling his role as the anointed king to deliver Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point, Saul is still living a relatively ordinary life, working in the fields. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a> The Israelites who are distressed and weeping due to the threat posed by Nahash the Ammonite against Jabesh-gilead. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jabesh-gilead.htm">Jabesh-gilead</a> A city in Israel under threat from Nahash the Ammonite, leading to the distress of the people. 4. <a href="/topical/n/nahash_the_ammonite.htm">Nahash the Ammonite</a> The king of the Ammonites who besieged Jabesh-gilead, demanding harsh terms for surrender. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a> Represents Saul's humble beginnings and his connection to the common people, as he was working in the field when he heard the news.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_timing_and_preparation.htm">God's Timing and Preparation</a> Saul's presence in the field at the right moment shows God's providential timing. God often prepares us in ordinary circumstances for extraordinary tasks. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_empathy.htm">Leadership and Empathy</a> Saul's immediate concern for the people's distress demonstrates a key quality of leadership: empathy. Leaders should be attentive to the needs and emotions of those they lead. <a href="/topical/r/responding_to_crisis.htm">Responding to Crisis</a> The people's weeping and Saul's inquiry highlight the importance of addressing crises with urgency and compassion. In times of distress, seeking understanding and taking action are crucial. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a> The collective distress of the people underscores the importance of community in facing challenges. Believers are called to support one another in times of need. <a href="/topical/d/divine_calling_in_everyday_life.htm">Divine Calling in Everyday Life</a> Saul's transition from fieldwork to leadership illustrates how God can call us from our daily routines to fulfill His purposes. We should remain open to God's calling in our everyday lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 11</a> <a href="/q/could_saul's_threat_quickly_raise_an_army.htm">In 1 Samuel 11:5–7, is it historically plausible that Saul’s threat with the oxen pieces could mobilize such a large army so quickly? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_king_david_deceive_and_kill.htm">Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_spirit_empower_saul.htm">In 1 Samuel 11:6, how can an invisible Spirit 'rush upon' Saul and make him so effective in leadership, given a skeptical view of supernatural involvement?</a> <a href="/q/what_events_shaped_saul's_legacy.htm">What key events shaped Saul's life and legacy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field.--Saul was still busied with his old pursuits. At first this would seem strange, but it must be remembered that the regal authority was something quite new in republican Israel, and that the new king's duties and privileges at first were vague, and but little understood; besides which, jealousies, such as have already been noticed (<a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm" title="But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace.">1Samuel 10:27</a>), no doubt induced Saul and his advisers to keep the royalty in the background till some opportunity for bringing it to the front should present itself. It is, therefore, quite to be understood that the newly-elected king should be spending at least a portion of his time in pursuits which hitherto had occupied his whole life. He was not the first hero summoned from agricultural labours to assume, in a national emergency, the command of an army. Gideon, we read, was called from the threshing-floor to do his great deeds; and to quote from profane history, one of the noblest of the sons of Rome, like Saul, was ploughing when the Senate fetched him to be the dictator and the general of their armies; and to the plough we know that that great man returned when his work was successfully accomplished and his country saved. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/11-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Just then וְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! Saul שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites was returning בָּ֣א (bā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go from מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of the field, הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land behind אַחֲרֵ֤י (’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part his oxen. הַבָּקָר֙ (hab·bā·qār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1241.htm">Strong's 1241: </a> Beef cattle, ox, a herd “What [troubles] מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what the people?” לָּעָ֖ם (lā·‘ām) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock asked וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say Saul. שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites “Why כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction are they weeping?” יִבְכּ֑וּ (yiḇ·kū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> To weep, to bemoan And they relayed וַיְסַ֨פְּרוּ־ (way·sap·pə·rū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5608.htm">Strong's 5608: </a> To count, recount, relate to him ל֔וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> the words of דִּבְרֵ֖י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause the men אַנְשֵׁ֥י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> Man, mankind from Jabesh. יָבֵֽישׁ׃ (yā·ḇêš) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3003.htm">Strong's 3003: </a> Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/11-5.htm">1 Samuel 11:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-5.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 11:5 Behold Saul came following the oxen out (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 11:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 11:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/11-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 11:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 11:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>