The answer is: Ammonites

1 Samuel 11:1

In 1 Samuel 11:1, we see a gritty episode unfold where the Ammonites, led by Nahash, besiege the town of Jabesh-Gilead. This wasn't just any conflict; it was an outright assault that left the residents desperate for help, primarily because Nahash promised to make a severe covenant with them—removing their right eyes! Imagine the fear that must have spread through Jabesh-Gilead as the men faced such a disgraceful fate.

This event is significant in establishing Saul's reign as king over Israel. Saul, having just been anointed king in chapter 10, steps into the spotlight, uniting the tribes around a common threat. His reaction not only showcases his leadership qualities but also reflects a deeper communal response to the temptation of individual survival over collective faith. He sends word, calling on the people of Israel to rally, leveraging the spirit of unity that defines many pivotal moments in the Hebrew narrative.

Interestingly, Jabesh-Gilead appears in later texts hauntingly, particularly in the story of King David and the aftermath of Saul's death (2 Samuel 2). The reverberations of this early conflict with the Ammonites remind us of the cyclical nature of stories in the Bible, where past actions have a way of echoing back, affecting future generations and illustrating wider themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the societal impacts of war.