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1 Samuel 11 · Grade 4

Saul's Finest Hour

Name Date

Read and Think

Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh Gilead. When the city asked for a treaty, he offered terms meant to disgrace all Israel. Confident no one would help, he even allowed them seven days to seek rescue.

Saul, though already chosen as king, was still plowing his fields. When he heard the news, God's Spirit came mightily on him. He cut up a yoke of oxen and sent the pieces through Israel, warning that the same would be done to the oxen of anyone who did not follow. The fear of the Lord fell on the people, and a great army gathered.

Saul attacked at dawn and saved the city. When some wanted to execute the men who had scorned him, Saul showed mercy and gave credit to God: the Lord had rescued Israel. At Gilgal they renewed the kingdom, offered peace offerings, and Saul and all Israel rejoiced greatly.

Show What You Know

  1. Why did Nahash allow seven days?

  2. What was Saul doing when the news came?

  3. What fell on the people?

  4. How did Saul show mercy?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

JabeshSaulrescuedoxenGilgal
  1. Nahash the Ammonite besieged Gilead.
  2. , though already chosen as king, was still plowing his fields.
  3. He cut up a yoke of and sent the pieces through Israel, warning that the same would be done to the oxen of anyone who did not follow.
  4. When some wanted to execute the men who had scorned him, Saul showed mercy and gave credit to God: the Lord had Israel.
  5. At they renewed the kingdom, offered peace offerings, and Saul and all Israel rejoiced greatly.

Think About It

  1. Saul gave God the credit for the victory. Why is it important to give God credit?

  2. Saul showed mercy to people who doubted him. How can you show mercy to someone who doubted you?

Memory Verse

Saul said, “No man shall be put to death today; for today Yahweh has rescued Israel.”

1 Samuel 11:13 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for rescuing your people. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How was Saul like the judges before him?
  • Why is mercy a sign of a good leader?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.