1 Samuel 11:1-5

1Then Nahash1 the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty2 with us, and we will serve you.”

2But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.”

3“Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you.”

4When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud.

5Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh.