Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 14:17

"Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armorbearer were not there." — 1 Samuel 14:17 (ASV)

Then said Saul ... — When this panic which was taking place in the Philistine army was reported to King Saul, he naturally inquired what had caused it, knowing that he, as general-in-chief, had given no directions to any of his men to attack the enemy. In the little Israelite force, when the roll was called, it was soon discovered who was missing.