Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 14:37

"And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day." — 1 Samuel 14:37 (ASV)

And Saul asked counsel of God. — The same phrase is always used in the many passages in the Books of Judges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, Hosea, etc., when God was consulted through the Urim and Thummim. It may be called the technical term for consulting the Oracle of the Most High; there are, however, slight variations in the English translations of this phrase.

But he answered him not ... — When the mysterious gems refused to shine, or in any way to signify Divine approval or disapproval, the high-priestly questioner seems, as in this instance, to have concluded that some public transgression had been committed. He likely further concluded that special atonement must be made before the desired answer could be expected.

The sacred gems probably remained dull and lightless. The night was wearing on, and Saul, chafing at the unexpected delay, in his impetuous anger uttered the wild words on which we are about to comment.