After David established his rule in Hebron, he showed kindness to people who were still loyal to Saul. This included the men of Jabesh-gilead. However, because they remained loyal to Saul and his family line, they did not accept David as king (2 Samuel 2:8–11). David also had friendly relations with Nahash, the king of the Ammonites (see 2 Samuel 10:2; 17:27–29). Nahash had earlier attacked Jabesh-gilead and caused great suffering there (1 Samuel 11:1–15).