Day 39: 1 Samuel 31:1–13

When the residents of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all their brave men set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan (vv. 11–12).

Saul, critically wounded in battle, fell on his own sword rather than be taken alive by the enemy. He knew the Philistines made sport of their prize captives. But the Philistines did not need Saul alive to mock him. They cut off his head, surely in memory of their slain giant, and impaled his body on the wall of Beth Shan.

Sometimes the worst of events bring out the best in people. When the men of Jabesh Gilead heard of the death of Saul and his sons, they traveled all night and risked their lives to retrieve the bodies. They burned the bodies and buried the bones under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh (vv. 11–13).

The men of Jabesh Gilead performed a brave and loving act. Certainly the bodies were well-guarded. The men could have ended up impaled right beside the bodies they came to rescue. Why would they take such a chance?

Remember Saul’s first act as king, recorded in 1 Samuel 11:1–11, when he marshaled the Israelite troops against the Ammonites who had laid siege to Jabesh Gilead?

During the morning watch, they invaded the Ammonite camp and slaughtered them until the heat of day. There were survivors, but they were so scattered that no two of them were left together (1 Sam. 11:11).

I am encouraged to think that across forty-two years, the people of the village never forgot their debt of gratitude to a young king. The men of Jabesh Gilead paid a tribute to a king who started well. May we accept and imitate their example. May our memories of kindness be long and of offenses be short. It’s not too late to say thanks.

Owe somebody a favor? How much better to repay it before you stand with them under the shade of a tamarisk tree. In the midst of a tragic scene, a group of heroes emerged, all because they had good memories. No doubt God’s heroes are those who never forget His faithfulness. May we be counted among them.