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1 Samuel 11 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Nahash meant business. He threatened to humiliate and poke out the right eye of every man in Jabesh. The point of this strange act was intimidation, and eventually, to bring reproach to all of Israel. These men would be seen as weak and helpless, and the true champion would be Nahash the Ammonite, who could claim victory over these men with evidence.
It’s a common tactic we see used and even justified today by so-called Christians.
In many ways, Nahash represents everything that our enemy Satan wants to do to us. He wants to intimidate and force us to surrender. He wants to take our lives, but he will take us piece by piece (eye-by-eye) if permitted.
Interestingly, Nahash permits for the messengers of Jabesh to go and see if they can find help. This was a mistake on his part, but he was so cocky and power-hungry that he didn’t care. In his arrogance, he figured his name would get spread and built up from these messengers going around asking for help.
Eventually, word gets back to Saul, an army is assembled, and Nahash and the Ammonites are wiped out.
However, I believe this story, again, represents a powerful illustration of how the enemy comes knocking at our door. He camps next to us, intimidates us, and even negotiates with us to try and crush our faith. The picture of Satan as a red devil in horns opposing the people of God really does not capture the essence of his deception.
The men of Jabesh were not afraid. They knew they were overpowered, but they also knew there was a greater help available. We must believe the same. Do not fear.