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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 11:3 "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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/11-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/09_1Sa_11_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 11:3 - Saul Defeats the Ammonites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Hold off for seven days, replied the elders of Jabesh, and let us send messengers throughout Israel. 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Then, if there is no one to save us, we will give ourselves up to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if <i>there be</i> no man to save us, we will come out to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the elders of Jabesh said to him, “Hold off for seven days, that we may send messengers to all the territory of Israel. And then, if <i>there is</i> no one to save us, we will come out to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the elders of Jabesh said to him, “Allow us seven days to send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The elders of Jabesh said to him, &#8220Let us alone for seven days, that we may send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to deliver us, we will come out to you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the elders of Jabesh said to him, “Let us alone for seven days, that we may send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to deliver us, we will come out to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the elders of Jabesh said to him, “Let us alone for seven days, that we may send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Give us seven days so that we may send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out [and surrender] to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Don’t do anything to us for seven days,” the elders of Jabesh said to him, “and let us send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. If no one saves us, we will surrender to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220Don&#8217t do anything to us for seven days,&#8221 the elders of Jabesh said to him, &#8220and let us send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. If no one saves us, we will surrender to you.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the borders of Israel; and then, if there be none to save us, we will come out to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The town leaders said, "Give us seven days so we can send messengers everywhere in Israel to ask for help. If no one comes here to save us, we will surrender to you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the borders of Israel: and then, if there be none to save us, we will come out to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The leaders of Jabesh told him, "Give us seven days so that we can send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. And if there's no one to save us, we'll surrender to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The leaders of Jabesh said, "Give us seven days to send messengers throughout the land of Israel. If no one will help us, then we will surrender to you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The elders of Jabesh told him, "Leave us alone for seven days so that we may send messengers through all the territory of Israel. Then if no one delivers us, we will come out to you and surrender."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?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.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Jabesh said to him, "Leave us alone for seven days so that we can send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. If there is no one who can deliver us, we will come out voluntarily to you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Jabesh said to him, "Give us seven days, that we may send messengers to all the borders of Israel; and then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the elders of Jabesh said to him, Give us seven days respit, that we may send messengers to all the borders of Israel: and then, if there is no man to save us, we will come out to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days, that we may send messengers to all the borders of Israel; and then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And [the] elderly of Jabesh say to him, “Leave us alone [for] seven days, and we send messengers into all the border of Israel: and if there is none saving us—then we have come out to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the elders of Jabesh say to him, 'Let us alone seven days, and we send messengers into all the border of Israel: and if there is none saving us -- then we have come out unto thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the old men of Jabesh will say to him, Let go to us seven days, and we will send messengers in every bound of Israel: and if none save us we will come forth to thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the ancients of Jabes said to him: Allow us seven days, that we may send messengers to all the coasts of Israel: and if there be no one to defend us, we will come out to thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the elders of Jabesh said to him: “Grant to us seven days, so that we may send messengers to all the borders of Israel. And if there is no one who may defend us, we will go out to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Jabesh said to him: “Give us seven days to send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days’ respite that we may send messengers through all the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will give ourselves up to you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the eiders of Jabesh said to him, Give us seven days respite, that we may send messengers throughout all the territory of Israel; and when we see if we have a savior or not, then we will come out to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Elders of Lakish said to him: “Let go us seven days, and we shall send Messengers into the entire border of Israel, and we will see if there is a Savior for us, and if not, then we will come forth to you”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the elders of Jabesh said unto him: 'Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the borders of Israel; and then, if there be none to deliver us, we will come out to thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the men of Jabis say to him, Allow us seven days, and we will send messengers into all the coasts of Israel: if there should be no one to deliver us, we will come out to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/11-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2666" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/11.htm">Saul Defeats the Ammonites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>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.” <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7503.htm" title="7503: he·rep̄ (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- Sink, relax. A primitive root; to slacken.">“Hold off</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘aṯ (Number-msc) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</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.">of Jabesh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: wə·niš·lə·ḥāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">“and let us send</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵōl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">throughout</a> <a href="/hebrew/1366.htm" title="1366: gə·ḇūl (N-msc) -- Border, boundary, territory. Or gbul; from gabal; properly, a cord, i.e. a boundary; by extens. The territory inclosed."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there is no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: mō·wō·šî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">to save</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯā·nū (DirObjM:: 1cp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: wə·yā·ṣā·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">we will surrender</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/21-8.htm">Judges 21:8-9</a></span><br />So they asked, “Which one of the tribes of Israel failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah?” And, in fact, no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the camp for the assembly. / For when the people were counted, none of the residents of Jabesh-gilead were there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-7.htm">Judges 20:7</a></span><br />Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-10.htm">1 Samuel 17:10</a></span><br />Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-19.htm">2 Kings 18:19-20</a></span><br />The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-9.htm">2 Kings 19:9-11</a></span><br />Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/36-4.htm">Isaiah 36:4-5</a></span><br />The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-10.htm">Isaiah 37:10-12</a></span><br />“Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? / Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/21-8.htm">Jeremiah 21:8-9</a></span><br />Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. / Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Jeremiah 38:17-18</a></span><br />Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. / But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-11.htm">Ezekiel 33:11</a></span><br />Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-14.htm">Matthew 10:14-15</a></span><br />And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. / Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Matthew 11:21-24</a></span><br />“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. / And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-10.htm">Luke 10:10-12</a></span><br />But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare, / ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ / I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</a></span><br />Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the elders of Jabesh said to him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers to all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to you.</p><p class="hdg">give us.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/7-4.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-14.htm">Borders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-14.htm">Coasts</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-21.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/judges/19-19.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-23.htm">Part</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-8.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Respit</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Respite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">Save</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-8.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/judges/20-13.htm">Surrender</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">Territory</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-13.htm">Throughout</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-7.htm">Borders</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Coasts</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-10.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-30.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-5.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-10.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-2.htm">Part</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-21.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Respit</a> <a href="/job/20-20.htm">Respite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-21.htm">Save</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-8.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-10.htm">Surrender</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-7.htm">Territory</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-7.htm">Throughout</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">Nahash offers them of Jabesh Gilead a reproachful condition</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">They send messengers, and are delivered by Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/11-12.htm">Saul thereby is confirmed, and his kingdom renewed</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>"Hold off for seven days," replied the elders of Jabesh</b><br>The elders of Jabesh are negotiating with Nahash the Ammonite, who has besieged their city. The request for a seven-day reprieve reflects a desperate situation, as they seek time to find a deliverer. The number seven often signifies completeness or divine intervention in the Bible, suggesting a hope for God's deliverance. The elders' role indicates a structured leadership within the city, typical of ancient Near Eastern societies.<p><b>"and let us send messengers throughout Israel."</b><br>This phrase highlights the tribal confederation of Israel before the monarchy was fully established. The elders' decision to send messengers underscores the lack of a centralized government and the reliance on tribal unity for defense. It also reflects the communication methods of the time, where messengers were crucial for relaying urgent news across distances. This action sets the stage for Saul's rise as a unifying leader.<p><b>"If there is no one to save us,"</b><br>The elders express a conditional hope, acknowledging their vulnerability. The phrase "to save us" is significant, as it echoes the recurring theme of deliverance in the Old Testament, where God raises leaders to rescue His people. This anticipates the role of judges and foreshadows the coming of a king who will provide salvation, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Savior.<p><b>"we will surrender to you."</b><br>The willingness to surrender indicates the dire circumstances faced by Jabesh-gilead. Surrender would mean subjugation and possibly severe consequences, such as enslavement or mutilation, as Nahash had threatened to gouge out the right eyes of the men. This reflects the brutal realities of ancient warfare and the harsh terms often imposed by victors. The elders' statement underscores their desperation and the critical need for divine intervention or a human deliverer.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jabesh-gilead.htm">Jabesh-gilead</a></b><br>A city in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. The inhabitants are under threat from the Ammonites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nahash_the_ammonite.htm">Nahash the Ammonite</a></b><br>The king of the Ammonites who besieges Jabesh-gilead and offers harsh terms for surrender.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_elders_of_jabesh.htm">The Elders of Jabesh</a></b><br>Leaders of the city who negotiate with Nahash for a delay to seek help from the rest of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the messengers are sent, seeking deliverance from the Ammonite threat.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Saul becomes a central figure in the subsequent account as the newly anointed king who responds to the call for help.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_help_in_times_of_trouble.htm">Seeking Help in Times of Trouble</a></b><br>The elders of Jabesh-gilead demonstrate the importance of seeking assistance when faced with overwhelming challenges. In our lives, we should not hesitate to reach out for help from God and our community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>This passage highlights the need for strong and decisive leadership in times of crisis. As Christians, we are called to support and pray for our leaders, that they may act with wisdom and courage.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_timing_and_deliverance.htm">God's Timing and Deliverance</a></b><br>The request for seven days reflects a period of waiting and hope for deliverance. Trusting in God's timing is crucial, even when the situation seems dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_and_community_support.htm">Unity and Community Support</a></b><br>The call for help to the rest of Israel underscores the importance of unity and mutual support within the body of Christ. We are stronger together and should be ready to support one another in times of need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>The elders' decision to seek help is an act of faith, believing that deliverance is possible. Our faith should lead us to take action, trusting that God will provide a way.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_gouge_eyes_as_submission_in_1_sam_11.htm">In 1 Samuel 11:1–2, how could gouging out the right eye of every Israelite realistically have served as a sign of submission without stronger resistance or outside intervention? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_rhetorical_criticism.htm">Who was Uriah the Hittite in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_numbers_11_17-25_rarely_cited_later.htm">Numbers 11:17-25 discusses God's Spirit resting on the seventy elders; why is there limited mention of this event in subsequent biblical texts if it was so pivotal?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">Give us seven days' respite.</span>--This kind of proposal has always in time of war been a common one; such a request from a beleaguered fortress we meet with constantly, especially in mediaeval chronicles. It was, no doubt, made by the citizens in the hope that Saul the Benjamite, in whose election as king they had recently taken a part, would devise some means for their rescue. Between Benjamin and the city of Jabesh-gilead there had long existed the closest ties of friendship. How far back this strange link between the southern tribe and the distant frontier town dated, we know not. When Israel was summoned "as one man" (Judges 21), probably under the direction of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, to avenge on Benjamin the crime committed by the men of Gibeah, Jabesh-gilead alone, among the cities of Israel--no doubt, out of its friendship for the sinning tribe--declined to obey the imperious summons, and for this act of disobedience was rased to the ground, and its inhabitants put to the sword. The tribes, however, subsequently regretted their remorseless cruelty in their punishment of Benjamin, and feared lest their brother's name might perish out of the land; mindful, then, of the old loving feeling which existed between the city of Jabesh-gilead and the tribe of Benjamin, they gave the maidens of the ruined city spared in the judicial massacre perpetrated on the citizens, to the fighting remnant of Benjamin, still defending themselves on the impregnable Rock of the Pomegranate, "Rimmon," and did what was in their power to restore the ruined and broken tribe. Jabesh-gilead seems to have risen again from its ashes, and Benjamin once more held up its head among the tribes of Israel, and just now had given the first king to the people. No wonder, then, that the city in the hour of its sore need and deadly peril should send for succour to Gibeah in Benjamin, and to Saul, the Benjamite king. Neither the tribe nor the king failed them in their distress.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - The elders who govern the town know nothing of a king having been appointed, nor do they send to Samuel to ask him, as the judge, to protect them; but they request a seven days' respite, that they <span class="cmt_word">may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel,</span> and Nahash, feeling sure that no combined action would be the result, grants their request, that so Israel far and wide might know of his triumph. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/11-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Hold off</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֤רֶף</span> <span class="translit">(he·rep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7503.htm">Strong's 7503: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sink, relax</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֙נוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(lā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁבְעַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(šiḇ·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days,”</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Jabesh,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָבֵ֗ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3003.htm">Strong's 3003: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“and let us send</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִשְׁלְחָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·niš·lə·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">messengers</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאָכִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’ā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">throughout</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכֹ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[there is] no one</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to deliver</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹשִׁ֛יעַ</span> <span class="translit">(mō·wō·šî·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתָ֖נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we will surrender</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָצָ֥אנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·ṣā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/11-3.htm">1 Samuel 11:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/11-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 11:3 The elders of Jabesh said to him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/11-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 11:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 11:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 11:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 11:4" /></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>