The Ammonites attacked the town of Jabesh-Gilead, possibly located in the Jordan valley.  The elders of the city sent to Saul for help.  At the time, he was plowing the fields at his home in Gibeah.  

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          When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger (1 Sam 11:6).

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Saul killed his oxen, divided them in pieces, sent them throughout Israel, and summoned the nation for war.  330,000 men marched against the attacking Ammonites, cut them down and ended the siege.  Saul was declared king by acclamation of the joyful people.

         

This was Saul in the great tradition of the judges.  Everything fit that pattern: a peaceful home situation,  the crisis of invasion by a foreign nation,  a visitation of God in some form, an infusion of the Spirit, gathering of all Israel, and wreaking havoc on the enemy. Then everyone went home.