שמואל א, פרק כ״ח, פסוק ה׳

The sight of an enemy army gathering for battle can break the spirit of even the most seasoned leader. For King Saul, standing before his foes brings on a paralyzing terror and a deep sense of helplessness that goes far beyond ordinary battlefield nerves. This deep fear gripping the king reflects a profound crisis, both external and internal.

The primary approach among commentators is that the immediate cause of this anxiety stems directly from the severe imbalance of power on the ground. Looking out at the Philistines, Saul is confronted by an absolutely massive and overwhelming military force [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In stark contrast to this mighty enemy, Saul knows his own army is completely unequipped and unprepared for such a decisive military campaign [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Beyond this harsh physical reality, the king's dread carries a dark, prophetic weight. His intense panic is not just a natural reaction to being outnumbered, but a heavy internal realization. Saul experiences a deep sense of foreboding, sensing that his own terrified heart is actually predicting the tragedy and doom that is about to overtake him [מלבי״ם].