1 Samuel 31:11
And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֖י
And when the inhabitants
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֖י
And when the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יָבֵ֣ישׁ
of Jabeshgilead
H3003
יָבֵ֣ישׁ
of Jabeshgilead
Strong's:
H3003
Word #:
4 of 10
jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
גִּלְעָ֑ד
H1568
גִּלְעָ֑ד
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
5 of 10
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשׂ֥וּ
had done
H6213
עָשׂ֥וּ
had done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Jabesh-gilead's rescue by Saul forty years earlier created a debt of honor the city now repays. The transjordan location meant they had to cross the Jordan and penetrate Philistine-held territory to reach Beth-shan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does gratitude motivate action even at personal risk?
- What debts of honor do you owe to those who helped you in the past?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The transition to Jabesh-gilead's inhabitants hearing the news recalls Saul's first act as king: rescuing them from Nahash the Ammonite (chapter 11). Their response to Saul's dishonor repays his earlier deliverance with later loyalty. The Hebrew 'wayyishme'u' (they heard) indicates news traveled across the Jordan. Gratitude remembered across decades motivates their risky intervention. Their courage contrasts with others who fled.