“and went from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.” Samuel left Gilgal and the Jordan River Valley and traveled westward into the hill country of the tribe of Benjamin. Samuel was apparently not afraid of the Philistine presence in the central hill country that Saul seemed to be so concerned about.

“And Saul counted the people.” This shows the hardheartedness of Saul. There seems to be no remorse, repentance, or confession of wrongdoing at Samuel’s statement that Saul lost the kingdom.