1 Samuel 11:7 · KJV

"And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent."

King James Version

Passage Context

⁵And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.

⁶And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

⁷And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

⁸And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

⁹And 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.

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Reflection Questions

How do you respond to calls for unity in difficult times?

What does this passage teach you about leadership?

When have you felt compelled to rally others for a cause?

Life Application

leadership

Consider how you can lead by example in your community. Take initiative when challenges arise.

unity

Reflect on ways to foster unity among your peers, especially in times of conflict.

People in This Verse

SamuelOT

Samuel became a major prophet and leader in Israel, anointing the first two kings. His birth was a direct answer to Hannah's fervent prayers.

First appearance: 1 Samuel 1:20

SaulOT

Saul was the first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected for disobedience. His life serves as a cautionary tale about pride and the consequences of turning away from God.

First appearance: 1 Samuel 9:1

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