1 Samuel 11:9
And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.
Original Language Analysis
הַמַּלְאָכִ֗ים
And the messengers
H4397
הַמַּלְאָכִ֗ים
And the messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
2 of 20
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
לְאַנְשֵׁ֥י
unto the men
H376
לְאַנְשֵׁ֥י
unto the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 20
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יָבֵ֖ישׁ
of Jabesh
H3003
יָבֵ֖ישׁ
of Jabesh
Strong's:
H3003
Word #:
7 of 20
jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
גִּלְעָ֔ד
H1568
גִּלְעָ֔ד
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
8 of 20
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
מָחָ֛ר
To morrow
H4279
מָחָ֛ר
To morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
תִּֽהְיֶֽה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶֽה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תְּשׁוּעָ֖ה
ye shall have help
H8668
תְּשׁוּעָ֖ה
ye shall have help
Strong's:
H8668
Word #:
12 of 20
rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
by that time the sun
H8121
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
by that time the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
14 of 20
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
הַמַּלְאָכִ֗ים
And the messengers
H4397
הַמַּלְאָכִ֗ים
And the messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
16 of 20
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
וַיַּגִּ֛ידוּ
and shewed
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֛ידוּ
and shewed
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
לְאַנְשֵׁ֥י
unto the men
H376
לְאַנְשֵׁ֥י
unto the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
18 of 20
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Military campaigns in the ancient Near East typically began at dawn to avoid midday heat and maximize daylight hours. The promise of deliverance during the morning heat suggests the main battle would conclude before noon, allowing pursuit of the routed enemy through the afternoon.
Questions for Reflection
- How does faith in God's promises enable confident action in seemingly impossible circumstances?
- When has God turned your despair into joy through unexpected deliverance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.
The confident message promising deliverance 'by that time the sun be hot' demonstrates faith transformed into action. What began as impossible - a relief force materializing within seven days - becomes certainty through Spirit-empowered leadership. The timing 'by the heat of the day' indicates a morning attack, utilizing the element of surprise and the sun's position for tactical advantage. The men of Jabesh 'were glad,' their hope vindicated and their faith rewarded.