This gives the background of v. 14. A careful study of the preceding verses indicates that Saul was not sure of the propriety of coming to the seer without a gift, and that it took some persuading on the part of the servant before he consented to go into the city. This illustrates the guiding of the Holy Spirit, whereby men in perplexity are brought into contact with those who can give them assistance. In a similar way Ruth was providentially guided to the field of Boaz (Ruth 2:3), and Philip was directed to the eunuch on his way from Jerusalem to Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-29). It is a sacred privilege to be so fully surrendered to the control of the Holy Spirit that He can guide us, even as he guided Samuel, to those souls who need our help.