1 Samuel 11:3-5

New International Version

³ The elders^(A) of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue^(B) us, we will surrender^(C) to you.”

⁴ When the messengers came to Gibeah^(D) of Saul and reported these terms to the people, they all wept^(E) aloud. ⁵ Just then Saul was returning from the fields, behind his oxen, and he asked, “What is wrong with everyone? Why are they weeping?” Then they repeated to him what the men of Jabesh had said.