1. The Ammonite threat (1-5)

Soon after Saul became king there was a tragedy within Israel. The Ammonites waged war on Jabesh Gilead. The people offered to be subject to the Ammonites, but the Ammonite leader wanted to humiliate them. So they sent word to Saul, the new king, to see if there was any hope of rescue.

2. Saul burned with anger (6-15)

At the time Israel was decentralized, not a unified nation. So when they heard about Jabesh, they felt helpless to do anything. But when Saul heard, he burned with anger and the Spirit of God came on him. He was a changed person. He summoned all Israel in an unprecedented way to follow him into battle. The terror of the Lord fell on them all and they gathered as one man, fought and completely defeated the Ammonites. Then all the people confirmed Saul as king.