Commentators point out that Saul's address, "you son of Ahitub," is a deliberate insult. By refusing to use Ahimelech's name or his title as High Priest, Saul shows his contempt for both the man and his sacred office. This verbal jab, born of what scholars call "jealous malice," reveals the depth of Saul's paranoia and sets a menacing tone for the confrontation.