Background and Context:
Saul's victory over the Ammonites is a pivotal event in the early monarchy of Israel, marking the consolidation of Saul's kingship. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 11, occurring shortly after Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel by the prophet Samuel. The Ammonites, a perennial enemy of Israel, were descendants of Lot and had a history of hostility towards the Israelites (Genesis 19:36-38; Judges 10:7-9).

The Threat of Nahash the Ammonite:
Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, besieged Jabesh-gilead, a city in the territory of Gad and Manasseh, east of the Jordan River. The men of Jabesh, recognizing their inability to withstand the siege, sought a treaty with Nahash. However, Nahash's terms were brutal: he demanded the gouging out of the right eye of every man in Jabesh as a disgrace upon all Israel (1 Samuel 11:1-2).

Saul's Response:
When the news reached Gibeah, where Saul resided, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger (1 Samuel 11:6). Saul took decisive action by cutting a pair of oxen into pieces and sending them throughout Israel with a message that anyone who did not follow him and Samuel would have their oxen treated likewise. This act unified the Israelites, and they rallied behind Saul in fear of the LORD (1 Samuel 11:7).

The Battle and Victory:
Saul mustered an army of 330,000 men from Israel and Judah. He sent word to the besieged city of Jabesh-gilead, promising deliverance by the next day. Saul divided his forces into three companies and launched a surprise attack on the Ammonite camp during the morning watch. The Israelites struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day, and those who survived were so scattered that no two of them were left together (1 Samuel 11:11).

Aftermath and Saul's Kingship:
Following the victory, the people of Israel recognized Saul's leadership and sought to punish those who had previously doubted his ability to reign. However, Saul, demonstrating clemency and attributing the victory to the LORD, declared that no one would be put to death that day (1 Samuel 11:12-13). Samuel then called the people to Gilgal, where they reaffirmed Saul's kingship before the LORD with sacrifices and rejoicing (1 Samuel 11:14-15).

Theological Significance:
Saul's victory over the Ammonites is significant for several reasons. It serves as a divine endorsement of Saul's kingship, as the Spirit of God empowered him to lead Israel to victory. The event also highlights the importance of unity and obedience among the tribes of Israel, as they rallied together under Saul's leadership. Furthermore, Saul's clemency and acknowledgment of God's role in the victory underscore the biblical theme of divine sovereignty and mercy. This victory set the stage for Saul's reign and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, a turning point in the nation's history.