1 Samuel 11:2-9

New International Version

² But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you only on the condition^(A) that I gouge^(B) out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace^(C) on all Israel.”

³ The elders^(D) of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue^(E) us, we will surrender^(F) to you.”

⁴ When the messengers came to Gibeah^(G) of Saul and reported these terms to the people, they all wept^(H) aloud. ⁵ Just then Saul was returning from the fields, behind his oxen, and he asked, “What is wrong with everyone? Why are they weeping?” Then they repeated to him what the men of Jabesh had said.

⁶ When Saul heard their words, the Spirit^(I) of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. ⁷ He took a pair of oxen,^(J) cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel,^(K) proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone^(L) who does not follow Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one.^{(M) 8} When Saul mustered^(N) them at Bezek,^(O) the men of Israel numbered three hundred thousand and those of Judah thirty thousand.

⁹ They told the messengers who had come, “Say to the men of Jabesh Gilead, ‘By the time the sun is hot tomorrow, you will be rescued.’” When the messengers went and reported this to the men of Jabesh, they were elated.