Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 13:4

"And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal." — 1 Samuel 13:4 (ASV)

And all Israel heard. — Saul is mentioned instead of “Jonathan,” though the bold deed had been performed by the young prince, Saul being the general-in-chief. The expression “smitten” implies that the garrison in question had been utterly routed, probably put to the sword. The intense hatred with which the Philistines hated the Hebrews is often highlighted. From the first conquest by Joshua, they regarded them as interlopers and intruders; between the two peoples, there was ceaseless warfare until the Philistines were completely subdued by the greater Hebrew kings. Naturally, such a deed as Jonathan’s would immediately arouse Philistia.

And the people were called together. — Gradually, around the King of Israel, the fighting men of the nation were gathered in great numbers. This seems to have been by no means a “levée en masse” of all the people; they appear to have come together very slowly and then to have dispersed very quickly again. The hour for a decisive blow had not yet come. Something, as we will soon see, prevented Saul, with all his gallantry and splendid military skill, from winning popular confidence. (Concerning Gilgal, the place where Saul was trying to assemble the people at this point, see Note on 1 Samuel 13:8 and Excursus E at the end of this Book.)