This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 11, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
A long, long time ago, a bad guy named Nahash and his army attacked a city called Jabesh-gilead. Nahash wanted to make a deal with the people of Jabesh-gilead. He said that he would let them live, but only if he could hurt them by poking out their right eyes. The people were very scared, so they asked Nahash for a week to think about it. They hoped that someone would help them before it was too late.
Meanwhile, a man named Saul was working in his field, plowing with his oxen. He heard people crying and asked them what was wrong. They told him about the people in Jabesh-gilead and how they needed help. The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he got very angry. He knew he had to do something.
Saul cut up his oxen and sent pieces to every part of Israel. He told the people that if they didn’t come help him and the people of Jabesh-gilead, he would do the same thing to their animals. This scared the people, and they came to help Saul and the people of Jabesh-gilead. There were so many people that they filled up the whole city!
The next day, Saul and his army fought against Nahash and his army. They fought hard all morning, and by the time it got really hot outside, they had won! Nahash’s army was scattered and defeated.
After the battle, the people were so happy that they wanted to kill anyone who had ever said bad things about Saul. But Saul said that no one should be killed because God had saved them. They all went to a special place called Gilgal, and Saul was made king there. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
Biblical Lessons
- God is always with us and can help us defeat our enemies.
- We should be willing to help others when they are in trouble, even if it’s hard.
- It is important to keep our promises and make peace with others.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A comprehensive, evangelical overview of Christian doctrine with Scripture at every point.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
A robust, Scripture-saturated theology of prayer with practical guidance for deepening communion with God.
View on Amazon
Scripture Alone
Explains and defends the authority and sufficiency of Scripture over all human traditions.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
The Universe Next Door
Surveys competing worldviews and contrasts them with the Christian view of reality.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
Teaches believers how to distinguish truth from error using Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Hiding Place
The story of Corrie ten Boom's faith and forgiveness in the midst of Nazi persecution.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon