And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
Ver. 6. And when Saul inquired of the Lord.] Which he did not with a true heart, Heb 10:23 and Ficta pro factis non habentur, saith the Civilian: Nec videtur fieri quod non legitime fit: hence 1Ch 10:13-14 it is said that Saul inquired not of the Lord. He did, and he did not, because not uprightly nor constantly: and Nihil dicitur factum quamdiu aliquid superest faciendum. He should have persisted in seeking God, and not have run to light a candle at the devil, as they say: a sin, whereof his own hands wrought the revenge.
The Lord answered him not.] And no wonder: since it was only extremity of distress that sent Saul to seek God; like as the drowning man catcheth at that bow which he contemned standing safe on the bank.
Nor by Urim.] For Saul had slain those that wore the ephod: and Abiathar who had it was fled to David. 1Sa 23:6 That Saul now sent to Abiathar, is a conceit of the Rabbins.
Nor by prophets.] He cared not for them in his prosperity, and now can have no comfort from them in the day of his distress. Let such look to it as slight God's faithful ministers.