When the Enemy Surrounds | 1 Samuel 11:10-11

Vince Miller Podcast

Are you surrounded by an enemy and feel like giving up?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 11. I've titled this chapter "The First Test of Saul’s Leadership."

Here's what's happening in this chapter. Saul has been appointed king. He returned to family farming because his time for fighting had not yet come. Then, the Ammonite enemy, Nahash, came against an Israelite city called Jabesh-Gilead. Saul heard about it and gathered three hundred thirty thousand soldiers at a Bezek, about 10 miles away. Then the people of Jabesh-Gilead, knowing salvation is coming, communicate some "disinformation" to Nahash in verses 10-11:

Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will give ourselves up to you, and you may do to us whatever seems good to you.” And the next day Saul put the people in three companies. And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. And those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together. — 1 Samuel 11:10-11

Today's text contains two pieces of vital military intelligence for the people of Jabesh. First, it confirms that Saul will attack with three companies from three different positions. Second, it confirms that it would happen early, between 3 and 6 a.m. This military strategy is very strategic, given that Saul has never been in battle, as far as we know, and he has never led people into a battle in his life. He devised an unexpected triple-coordinated attack in the wee hours of the morning.

But I think the most interesting aspect of this text is how the men of Jabesh use this military intelligence. They use it to stall the Ammonites. At first read, it looks like disinformation, but it's not. It's actually a statement of truth, trust, and faith in God that salvation is coming through Saul, who has never fought a battle in his life.

Today, face your challenges in the same way. God has given you access to all the military intelligence you need. It's all found in God's Word. There is plenty of intelligence in it to help you plan a defense or offense. God's intelligence enables you to fight against a spiritual enemy that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. And yet, I recognize that for some of you, the battle is close. The enemy has you surrounded. He has now infiltrated your ranks. He is bargaining with you and wants to make a treaty with you. But don't. Stall a little longer. Trust in faith. The God of your salvation is coming, and he is mounted with three companies of soldiers prepared to attack in the wee hours of the morning.

#FaithInTheBattle, #TrustGodsTiming, #DivineStrategy

Ask This:

1. How can you use the "military intelligence" found in God’s Word to prepare for and face the battles in your own life? Are there specific verses or principles that stand out to you as particularly relevant?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate trust and faith in God when you feel surrounded by challenges or difficulties? How can you apply the lesson of Saul’s unexpected victory to your current struggles?

Do This:

Do not surrender to the enemy. Surrender to the Lord.

Pray This:

Lord, when I feel overwhelmed by the battles in my life, help me to trust in Your divine strategy and stand firm in Your Word. Grant me the strength and faith to hold on, knowing that You are always at work, preparing the way for my deliverance. Amen.

Play This:

Surrounded (Fight My Battles).