Behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What ails the people that they weep? They told him the words of the men of Jabesh.
The announcement of the messengers from Jabesh-gilead led the people in Saul’s hometown, as well as elsewhere undoubtedly, to weep. They had again forgotten God’s promises to protect them since they were His people. Their reaction was a result of viewing the situation from the natural perspective only. Contrast the perspective of Caleb and Joshua earlier.