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.
Ver. 1. Then Nahash the Ammonite came up.] After long preparations, 1Sa 12:12 and for the old hatred, Eze 25:15 and upon the old claim, Jdg 11:13 as also to revenge the overthrow then given them by Jephthah.
And encamped against Jabeshgilead.] Because it lay near to their country, and had been much weakened by that cruel slaughter of their men, Jdg 21:6 and not like to be relieved, because the Israelites were ill-agreed among themselves about the choice of their new king. 1Sa 10:27
Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.] Take us for thy confederates, and not for thy slaves. This was to make as good terms for themselves as they could; but they should not have made any with that accursed nation. Deu 23:3