Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 11:1

THen Nahash the Ammonite came up , and encamped against Jabesh-gilead : and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us , and we will serve thee .

i. e. About that time; this Particle being used in some Latitude, as is frequent: for that this happened before, and was the occasion of their desire of a King, may seem from chap. 12. 12. Although it is possible, that Nahash his preparation, and declared intention of Warring against them, might cause that desire, and that Nahash did not actually come against them (which is here related) till their King was chosen.

Either the same with him, 2 Sam. 10. 2. or his Father and Predecessor.

To War, probably to revenge and recover their former great loss by Iephthah, Iudg. 11. 33.

Which was beyond Iordan, and near the Ammonites, who dwelt in part of Arabia.

To wit, upon good conditions, so as we shall enjoy our Religion and Properties.

In other things we will be thy Subjects and Tributaties. The occasion of this offer was, that they saw no likelihood of relief from their brethren the Israelites in Canaan, who were remote from them, and then weak and divided, and scarce able to defend themselves from the Philistines.