Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 14:38

"And Saul said, Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people; and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day." — 1 Samuel 14:38 (ASV)

Draw near here. —Around that rough, unfinished altar, in the dark night, King Saul hastily summoned his leading officers and the prominent chiefs of the Israelites who had joined him in the recent battle. The word rendered “chief of the people” (pinnoth) is literally corner stones .

He would ask God’s help in the casting of lots, to discover who among them was the transgressor whose sin had silenced the Divine Oracle.