As Ammonite king besieged the city of Jabesh. The Ammonites were descended from Lot. The people of Jabesh looked to make a treaty with the Ammonites, offering to become their subjects. Nahash the Ammonite agreed, but only on condition that he could gouge out the right eye of all the men.
Surprisingly the elders of Jabesh do not reject this "offer" outright, but ask for a week to think about it.
News if the siege of Jabesh reached the rest of Israel, and eventually to Saul. Notice that Saul does not seem to be doing particularly "kingly" duties, being out in the field with his oxen.
The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul when he heard the news. He mustered an army form all of Israel to go and rescue Jabesh. He did this with the threat of severe punishment for any tribe that did not contribute to the relief action. The Spirit of the Lord motivates us to action.
News of the rescue was relayed to Jabesh. They tried to lull the Ammonites into a false sense of security, saying they would surrender the following day.
Saul and his army duly attacked and defeated the Ammonites. The people of Israel then wanted to exact revenge on those who had scorned Saul's leadership. Saul, however, acts magnanimously. Instead there is a celebration before the Lord.
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