Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Jonathan, who overcame their garrison at Geba. The exasperated
Philistines got ready for a speedy attack on Israel. Saul declared war
by the sound of the trumpet, calling all men of war, including the
tribes across the Jordan, to assemble at Gilgal.
The Philistines had gathered an immense force at
Michmash--"thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen,
and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude." Saul
and his army at Gilgal were shocked at the mighty forces they would
have to encounter in battle. Many were so terrified that they did not
dare to come to the encounter. Others hid in caves and amid rocks in
that region. As the time drew near, desertions rapidly increased, and
those who did not leave were filled with terror.
When Saul was anointed king, Samuel had given him explicit
directions about what he should do at this time. "You shall go down
before me to Gilgal," said the prophet, "and urely I will come down
to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace
offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show
you what you should do." (1 Samuel 10:8).
Discouraged by Circumstance
Day after day Saul waited, but without encouraging the people
and inspiring confidence in God. Before the designated time had
fully passed, he allowed himself to be discouraged by his difficult
circumstances. Instead of trying to prepare the people for the service
that Samuel was coming to perform, he indulged in unbelief. To
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