“The very first words Saul says are, “Let’s turn back.” One Hebrew scholar points out that a general principle of Biblical narrative is that the first reported speech is a defining moment for that character. Saul’s first line is, “Let’s give up.”
Meanwhile, we also see all the initiative coming from outside Saul. It’s his father that sends him out. It’s his servant that convinces him to go on. It’s even the servant that has to produce the silver they think they need to pay the man of God. He’s consistently acting after being pressured by others. And that’s going to become a big problem for him in the future. There’s another issue: We note Saul has no idea who Samuel was. Here’s why that’s remarkable:
First, Samuel has had national renown for decades. He went on a circuit each year through multiple towns, judging Israel. And Saul lives close to Samuel’s hometown! And yet, he doesn’t know Samuel, he doesn’t know him by name or by sight. He doesn’t think to go inquire of the Lord. The future king is shown as being devoid of spiritual activity or sensitivity. He wanders ineffectively.“
