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.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And the elders of Jabesh said,.... The magistrates and principal men of the city:
give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers to all the coasts of Israel; that is, cease from besieging…
Barnes' Notes
The elders - Observe the universal form of civil government among the Israelites, by elders (Jdg 8:14, Jdg 8:16, etc.).
Adam Clarke
Give us seven days respite - Such promises are frequently made by besieged places: "We will surrender if not relieved in so many days;" and such conditions are generally received by the besiegers.
The Ammonites were bad neighbours to those tribes of Israel that lay next them, though descendants from just Lot, and, for that reason, dealt civilly with by Israel. See Deu 2:19. Jephthah, in his…
Cambridge Bible
the elders of Jabesh See note on ch. 1Sa 8:4, and cp. Jdg 11:5 ff.