KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
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 BOTTOM LINE
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
This event occurred during the period when Israel was transitioning from being led by judges to having kings. The Ammonites were a neighboring enemy nation who frequently attacked Israel. Jabesh-gilead was an Israelite city east of the Jordan River that was particularly vulnerable to Ammonite raids.
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