THE HORRIBLE PRICE OF PEACE!

THE HORRIBLE PRICE OF PEACE!

1 Sam 11:1-3

1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

2 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.

3 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.

          God’s people had asked for a king so that they might be united in battle. God gave them tall Saul who was handsome but a poor leader. It is sad that the people chose to trust in such a man instead of putting their trust in God who had proven Himself over and over. So it is that a nation’s leader often mirrors the spiritual condition of the people. They choose a leader like themselves!

          Nahash, whose name means “snake” came against the Jews at Jabesh-gilead and the Jews sued for a cease fire. The Ammonite king offered them peace if they would submit to having their right eyes plucked out! Most people are right handed and the right eye would be needed to aim a bow or wield a sword. The price of peace was to abandon their ability to defend themselves.

          The Jews requested seven days’ respite so that they might send for reinforcements. The arrogance of Nahash permitted them to send messengers. The horrible prospect is made clear in the Jews’ statement: “if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee [and have our eyes plucked out].” Oh, how important would this “man to save us” be at this time!

          Tall Saul actually proved himself worthy at this time although later he would miserably fail in leadership. The reason is stated in verse 6: “And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.” Even a poor leader under the influence of the Spirit of God may do well.

          Several lessons come to mind in this portion of Scripture. First, do not abandon the leadership of the Lord even for the most handsome and admirable man! Second, the price of what we call “peace” may be too horrible to consider. It would have cost the men of Jabesh-gilead their right eye. Finally, if there is “no man to save us” then we find ourselves hopeless and defenseless.

Dear Lord, come quickly to help us lest we lose our vision. AMEN