First Samuel 11 records Saul’s first military victory - the relief of Jabesh-Gilead from Nahash the Ammonite, whose demand to gouge out every man’s right eye was designed to humiliate all Israel.
Full sung version coming soon.
Lyrics
Nahash the Ammonite came up and encamped against Jabesh Gilead All the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us We will serve you
Nahash said, On this condition I will make it with you All your right eyes be gouged out I will make this dishonour all Israel Give us seven days to send messengers to all the borders of Israel
The messengers came to Gibeah of Saul They spoke these words in the ears of the people Then all the people lifted up their voice and wept Saul came following the oxen out of the field
What ails the people that they weep They told him the words of the men of Jabesh God’s Spirit came mightily on Saul when he heard His anger burnt hot
He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces Then sent them throughout all the borders of Israel Whoever doesn’t come out after Saul and after Samuel So shall it be done to his oxen
The dread of the LORD fell on the people They came out as one man He counted them in Bezek Three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand
Tell the men of Jabesh Gilead Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot You will be rescued The men of Jabesh were glad
On the next day, Saul put the people in three companies They came into the middle of the camp in the morning watch They struck the Ammonites until the heat of the day Those who remained were scattered, no two left together
The people said to Samuel, Who is he who said Shall Saul reign over us Bring those men that we may put them to death But Saul said, No man shall be put to death today
For today the LORD has rescued Israel All the people went to Gilgal There they made Saul king before the LORD There Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly
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1 Samuel 11 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.
Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press