1 Samuel 11:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 11:10 mean?

1 Samuel 11:10 records the men of Jabesh telling their enemy that the next day they will come out to them, allowing the enemy to do whatever seems good to them. This statement is part of a negotiation, where the people of Jabesh appear to surrender, but they are actually stalling for time.

The men of Jabesh are speaking to Nahash the Ammonite, who has threatened them with harsh terms. The situation is tense: Jabesh has asked for help from Israel, and this message is part of their plan to delay Nahash until help arrives. The verse shows the men using careful words to buy time without openly betraying their hope for rescue.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 11:10

• "men" (אֲנָשִׁים, ʾanashim): This word refers to the adult males of Jabesh, highlighting that the leaders or representatives are speaking on behalf of the city.
• "morrow" (מָחָר, machar): This word means "tomorrow" or "the next day," showing the urgency and the short window they have before the enemy acts.
• "do" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means "to do" or "to act," and here it gives Nahash the apparent freedom to treat the people however he wishes, which is part of the ruse.
• "seemeth" (עַיִן, ayin) and "good" (טוֹב, tov): Together, these words mean "what is good in your eyes," a common Hebrew phrase for "whatever you think is best." It emphasizes that the men are putting themselves at Nahash’s mercy, at least outwardly.

Why 1 Samuel 11:10 matters

• This verse helps clear up that the men of Jabesh were not truly surrendering, but rather using clever language to stall for time until Saul could arrive with help.
• The verse highlights the tension and desperation of the situation, showing how the people of Jabesh tried to survive by any means while waiting for deliverance.
• Understanding this moment adds weight to Saul’s later rescue, showing the dramatic turnaround from apparent surrender to unexpected victory.