God allowed the Ammonites to rise against a section of the
nation of Israel in order to solidify Saul's position as the chosen leader in
Israel. The Ammonites threatened the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead (an area that
had been previously wiped out in the civil war involving mainly the tribe of
Benjamin). So, when Saul heard about the threats against the men of
Jabeshgilead, he took that proverbial bull by the horns and called passionately
for the whole nation to come out in defense of that small group. Clearly his
new heart was used by the Spirit of God to cause him to take his leadership
responsibilities seriously.
Soon Saul had an army of 330,000 Jewish soldiers to stand in
defense of the people of Jabeshgilead. And, Hallelujah, they were victorious.
The Ammonites were soundly defeated and scattered. Naturally, on the heels of
that victory the people were happily eager to crown Saul as their king and to
follow him continually. Up to this point things were going well (in the
institution of their new form of government). That would change soon enough
though.
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