In predicting Israel’s request for a king, Moses warned that the ruler was not to “multiply horses,” that is, to trust in material equipment for protection (Deut. 17:16; cf. Isa. 31:3). On the contrary, the king, as leader of the nation and an example to the people, was to procure a copy of the law, become a diligent student of it, and obey the instruction there recorded.

But Saul, thinking of the military equipment of Israel’s neighbors, with their standing armies, came to think of safety and success apart from simple faith and trust in God. With this concept in his own mind, he failed to inspire his men with the courage that results from faith in God. Lacking this, and with no weapons on which to rely, his men—with clearer sight than that of Saul—could see no basis on which to expect victory. The prospect appeared hopeless. Thus it was that at the first intimation of real danger the major part of Saul’s army deserted out of fear for their personal safety, and left him with no more than 600 men at Gilgal. His scouts had brought word of the enemy concentration 11 1/2 mi. (18.4 km.) away, at Michmash, and he feared not only for the nation but also for his own safety.

Saul had forfeited the confidence and respect of his army. Each day more and more of his men deserted. He was completely discouraged. The tide of his popularity was ebbing fast. He was ready to lay blame for the situation completely on Samuel, who had failed to appear. Saul felt aggrieved that Samuel was not present. In this spirit he met the prophet with no offer of apology but rather in a spirit of self-justification. What a contrast to the spirit in which he had prepared for the attack on Ammon!