YOUTH STS LESSON 201 THE DEFEAT OF THE AMMONITES
TEXT: 1 Samuel 11:1–15
MEMORY VERSE:
“And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together” (1 Samuel 11:11).
Saul was appointed the first king of Israel according to the request of the children of Israel. “And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king” (1 Samuel 10:24). His first assignment was to fight against the Ammonites who had given Jabesh a cruel condition for peace.
At this juncture, the people of Jabesh sent to Israel for help. When Saul heard of the situation, the Spirit of God came upon him and requested everyone in Israel to unite together to help their brethren. Through God-given strategies, they had victory over Ammon. From this first victory, his kingdom was renewed by Samuel. “Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there” (verse 14).
Today, there is still warfare against the people of God. The victory of God’s people is through Jesus Christ, our unconquerable Captain. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). We should trust in His promise and our victory will be sure.
THE AMMONITES’ CRUEL CONDITION FOR PEACE
(1 Samuel 11:1–3; 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18; James 4:4; 1 Kings 11:1–11)
Nahash was the king of Ammon (1 Samuel 12:12). He and his people made war with Jabeshgilead. Unfortunately, the men of Jabesh agreed to make a covenant with him to serve him.
“Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee” (verse 1).
Question 1: What was the condition of the covenant?
“And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel” (verse 2).
The condition of the covenant was that their right eyes would be removed and laid “for a reproach upon all Israel.” What a cruel and unscriptural covenant! The Scripture has warned Christians against unscriptural covenant with unbelievers.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Question 2: In what areas should Christian youths not make covenant with unbelievers?
Christian youths should not have intimate relationship with unbelievers in every aspect of their lives. The only duty they have is to preach the gospel to them. Specific areas where God warns believers against unscriptural relationship with unbelievers include friendship, marriage, fellowship, worship, business, etc. Disobedience to this command is dangerous.
However, a call to Christian separation is not isolation from people.
“And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee” (verse 3).
The men of Jabesh did well by not responding immediately to the request of Ammon. They asked for seven days’ respite and were ready to seek help. Christian youths must not be rash to respond to unscriptural invitations. They need to seek counsel and pray for divine direction.
The book of Proverbs counsels us thus:
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
VICTORY THROUGH COOPERATION AND UNITY
(1 Samuel 11:4–11; Acts 1:8; 13:1–4; John 14:15–18; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Psalm 133:1–3)
“Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept” (verse 4).
The people of Israel were concerned when they heard about the cruel, unscriptural condition of the Ammonites. We should be concerned, pray, and take reasonable actions to render help for fellow Christian youths who are in distress. We should be our brother’s keeper.
“And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly” (verse 6).
Saul returned from the field, found the people weeping and asked:
“What aileth the people that they weep?”
Immediately, the Spirit of God came upon him and he sprang into action. There is not much we can do without the Spirit of God.
Question 3: Mention people who had victory in battles through the help of the Spirit of God.
Examples abound in the Scriptures of people who depended on the Spirit of God for victory. Some of them are: Jephthah (Judges 11:29,32), Othniel (Judges 3:9,10), Gideon (Judges 6:33–36), Samson (Judges 13:24,25; 14:6,19), David (1 Samuel 16:13), Paul (1 Corinthians 2:1,2,4), etc.
To possess the Spirit of God, you must be saved from sin, sanctified, and pray in faith for the infilling of the Spirit. You need the impact of the Spirit of God in everything you do.
Saul, through the help of the Spirit of God, sent for the children of Israel. The response was great and encouraging. The Scripture says, “the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.” There was co-operation and unity among them.
The youth fellowship will not make progress without the co-operation and unity of all its members.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…” (Psalm 133:1–3).
“And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, 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” (verse 9).
When Saul gathered 330,000 men, the people of Israel assured Jabesh of help and they were glad. Through the Spirit’s leading, Saul divided the men into three groups. The strategy worked for them; since God was involved, victory was sure.
Youth leaders should seek the Lord and receive directives on how to evangelise schools. Paul and Barnabas were sent by God on missionary work. They depended on the Holy Spirit for success.
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus” (Acts 13:2–4).
SAMUEL CALLS ISRAEL TO RENEW THE KINGDOM
(1 Samuel 11:12–15; 10:26,27)
Before this victory:
“Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace” (1 Samuel 10:26,27).
After the victory, the people told Samuel:
“Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? Bring the men, that we may put them to death” (verse 12).
God used the battle to confirm Saul as king. There may be opposition to your appointed ministry, but God who appointed you will convince those opposing you beyond reasonable doubt.
Question 4: What was Saul’s response to the judgment placed on his opposers?
“And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel” (verse 13).
He was humble and considerate. He did not allow anyone to be put to death for opposing him. He attributed the victory to the Lord.
This attitude of Saul made Samuel renew or confirm his kingdom.
“Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly” (verses 14,15).
LESSONS TO LEARN
As we conclude this lesson, we learn the following:
- Do not rush to make covenant or agreement with anybody.
- Seek help from the people of God when in distress.
- Christian youths should arise in unity to help fellow brethren who are in distress.
- Everyone who desires victory must seek the help of the Spirit of the Lord for divine direction.
- We should remain humble when we accomplish great things for the Lord.
