And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;
When the people living in Jabesh-gilead heard about what the Philistines had done to Saul,
The writer is showing how news of Saul's tragic death spread to people who remembered his past kindness to them.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, 1 Samuel 31 describes the tragic end of King Saul's reign, where he and his sons were killed in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, and the Philistines subsequently mistreated his body. Earlier in 1 Samuel 11, Saul had shown his early leadership by rescuing the people of Jabesh-Gilead from the Ammonites, which created a deep sense of loyalty among them. This verse sets the stage for their reaction upon hearing of Saul's fate, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Israel and its enemies.
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