1 Samuel 11:10
Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you.
Original Language Analysis
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Therefore the men
H582
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Therefore the men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
יָבֵ֔ישׁ
of Jabesh
H3003
יָבֵ֔ישׁ
of Jabesh
Strong's:
H3003
Word #:
3 of 11
jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
מָחָ֖ר
To morrow
H4279
מָחָ֖ר
To morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
נֵצֵ֣א
we will come out
H3318
נֵצֵ֣א
we will come out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם
unto you and ye shall do
H6213
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם
unto you and ye shall do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּכָל
H3605
כְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Military deception was widely practiced and accepted in ancient warfare. Biblical examples include Joshua's ambush of Ai (Joshua 8) and Gideon's use of torches and trumpets (Judges 7). Such stratagems were distinguished from oath-breaking or covenant violation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do wisdom and faith work together in responding to threats?
- What is the difference between sinful deception and strategic wisdom in difficult situations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you.
The men of Jabesh employ strategic deception, telling the Ammonites they will 'come out' to them - language implying surrender while actually preparing for coordinated military action with Saul's forces. This is not sinful lying but legitimate military strategy against an enemy intent on cruelty and blasphemy. Their phrase 'ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you' echoes the language of covenant submission while concealing their true intent. God uses their wisdom alongside Saul's valor.