1 Samuel 11:1–7

Saul’s Deliverance of Jabesh-gilead

11Nahash ^ghthe Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. ⁱAll the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty ^jwith us, and we will serve you.”

²Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I’ll make one with you on this condition: that I gouge out everyone’s right eye ^kand humiliate all Israel.” ^l

³“Don’t do anything to us for seven days,” the elders of Jabesh said to him, “and let us send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. If no one saves us, we will surrender to you.”

⁴When the messengers came to Gibeah, ^mSaul’s hometown, and told the terms to ⁿthe people, all wept aloud. ^o5Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind his oxen. “What’s the matter with the people? Why are they weeping?” Saul inquired, and they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh.

⁶When Saul heard these words, the Spirit of God suddenly took control of him, ^pand his anger burned furiously. ⁷He took a team of oxen, cut them in pieces, ^qand sent them throughout the land of Israel by messengers who said, “This is what will be done to the ox of anyone who doesn’t march behind Saul and Samuel.” ^rAs a result, the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they went out united. ^s