Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 13:15

"And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men." — 1 Samuel 13:15 (ASV)

And Samuel arose. The close union between the prophet and the king had been disturbed by Saul's unhappy, self-willed conduct. By this, he virtually threw away the power that had been conferred on him. Still, Samuel did not yet break off friendly relations with Saul. Perhaps the noble old man still hoped that the brilliant and gallant king would recognize his fatal error.

From Gilgal, we read, Samuel passed to Gibeah of Benjamin, Saul's home. There, no doubt, he took counsel with and encouraged Jonathan, who was stationed there and whose splendid gallantry was soon to be called into action again.

And Saul numbered the people. Saul's disobedience had availed nothing. Instead of being able to lead an army against the Philistine army, the camp of Israel became deserted. Even his small division of regulars seems to have melted away; only six hundred answered the despairing king’s roll-call. It would seem as though the Divine punishment had already begun.