Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh Gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will be subject to you.” But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel. The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue us, we will surrender to you.” – 1 Samuel 11:1-3
This account in 1st Samuel 11:1-3 confronts us with a sobering reality: the temptation to compromise with evil rather than trust in the sovereign power of God.
The men and elders of Jabesh Gilead, faced with the brutal threat of Nahash the Ammonite, stood at a crossroads. Surrounded by enemies and their city under siege, they chose a path of outright cowardice and capitulation. Instead of turning to God in repentance and faith, they sought to negotiate with a wicked king who demanded their humiliation – offering to gouge out their right eyes as a mark of subjugation and utter disgrace to Israel. There was no cry for divine deliverance, but rather a pathetic willingness to surrender to enslavement to avoid conflict at any cost.
This scene highlights a biblical truth: fear of man and unwillingness to seek God’s help lead to compromise with sin and, ultimately, deeper bondage and hardship. The men of Jabesh Gilead were not ignorant of God’s covenant promises. They knew of His mighty acts in delivering Israel from Egypt and countless other enemies throughout their history. Yet, in their fear they turned not to the Lord but to a treaty with a tyrant. Furthermore, Nahash’s demand wasn’t just physical mutilation, but also a calculated assault on their dignity and identity as God’s chosen people. To even consider accepting such terms was to forsake their calling and align themselves with evil.
But we must not rush to judgment on Jabesh Gilead, for their failure mirrors an all too familiar temptation we all face. How often do we, in the face of spiritual opposition or worldly pressure, choose the path of least resistance? Instead of repenting of our sin and seeking God’s strength, we may attempt to negotiate with the enemy – whether it be the lure of worldly approval, the comfort of sinful habits, or the fear-driven desire to avoid conflict. Every time we tolerate sin or shrink from standing boldly for God’s truth, we mirror Jabesh Gilead’s willingness to trade freedom for chains. As Scripture warns us, “Don’t you know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey?” (Romans 6:16 ESV). Compromise with sin does not bring peace; it perpetuates slavery and invites greater hardship.
The men of Jabesh sought a temporary reprieve, asking for seven days to find a deliverer. Their hesitation, though weak, opened a door for God’s grace, as Saul – empowered by the Spirit – would soon rally Israel to their rescue (1 Samuel 11:6-11). This points us to the greatest Deliverer, Jesus Christ, who alone frees us from the tyranny of sin and Satan. Unlike Jabesh Gilead, we must not delay or negotiate with evil. We are called to “repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15), to cast ourselves wholly upon the mercy of God, who is “mighty to save” (Isaiah 63:1).
Dear Christian, examine your heart today. Are you compromising with sin, tolerating what God hates, or seeking peace with the world at the cost of your spiritual freedom? Repentance is not weakness… it’s the path to victory! Cry out to God, trust in His promises, and stand firm in the liberty purchased by Christ’s precious blood.
For “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Former Blackout Artist 