1 Samuel 11:12
And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָם֙
And the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 12
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
שָׁא֖וּל
Shall Saul
H7586
שָׁא֖וּל
Shall Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
7 of 12
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
עָלֵ֑ינוּ
H5921
עָלֵ֑ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תְּנ֥וּ
over us bring
H5414
תְּנ֥וּ
over us bring
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
10 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
1 Samuel 10:27But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.Luke 19:27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.Psalms 21:8Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.
Historical Context
The doubters of 1 Samuel 10:27, called 'sons of Belial,' had questioned Saul's ability to save Israel. Their skepticism, while faithless, was understandable given the chaotic period of judges. Capital punishment for political opposition was common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies but was not established practice in Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How should leaders respond to those who doubted them once vindication comes?
- What dangers arise when military victory produces desire for vengeance against internal critics?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
The people's demand to execute those who had questioned Saul's kingship (10:27) reveals the dangerous mixture of zealotry and mob mentality that military victory can produce. They seek to vindicate the new king through blood vengeance rather than mercy. The Hebrew muth ('put to death') indicates they desired formal execution, not lynch mob violence. This moment tests whether Saul will rule by grace or revenge, by wisdom or populist passion.