Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.
Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and set up camp to attack Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, 'Make a peace treaty with us, and we will serve you.'
The writer is describing how a foreign king surrounded an Israelite city, and the frightened residents offered to surrender and become his servants rather than fight.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of the judges in ancient Israel, the Ammonites, led by King Nahash, were a persistent threat to the Israelite tribes, often raiding their borders. When Nahash encamped against the city of Jabesh-Gilead, the inhabitants sought a covenant of submission to avoid destruction, reflecting the vulnerability of Israel before the establishment of a monarchy. This event sets the stage for Saul's emergence as the first king, as he responds to the crisis and rallies the people.
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