The narrative account of the men of Jabesh-gilead's heroic recovery of Saul's body demonstrates the continued loyalty of the northern tribes to Saul even after his death and illustrates the respect in which the first king continued to be held despite his military failure. The action of Jabesh-gilead in recovering Saul's remains demonstrates the enduring loyalty to the first king and the willingness of subjects to risk danger to honor their fallen king. The narrative indicates the continued regional power structures that survived Saul's defeat and suggests the basis upon which David would build his subsequent kingdom. The account of Jabesh-gilead's loyalty demonstrates the personal bonds that bound subject populations to their king regardless of military fortune. The narrative illustrates the continued existence of Israelite structures despite the catastrophic defeat at Mount Gilboa.

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