שמואל א, פרק ט׳, פסוק ז׳

When seeking the counsel of an important figure, the societal norm of the time dictated that one must never arrive empty-handed. As Saul and his servant consider asking the local seer for help locating their lost donkeys, they face a practical problem: they have nothing left to offer.

The primary approach among commentators is that Saul was unaware of Samuel's true character and greatness. He assumed the prophet operated much like ordinary seers and fortune-tellers, who required a fee for their time and services [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, basic etiquette demanded that a person bring a respectful offering when approaching a great leader to show proper honor [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].

Looking at their depleted supplies, Saul notes that their bread is entirely gone. Commentators offer different perspectives on why he mentions this specific item. Some suggest that had any bread remained from their journey, Saul would have presented it as a modest payment, reasoning that a simple request to locate donkeys only required a small fee [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Others, however, argue that offering a prophet leftover bread would be unthinkable. In this view, the lack of bread merely illustrates their total destitution. If they do not even possess basic food or the money to buy it, they certainly lack the means to secure a proper gift for a prophet [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

Beyond basic supplies, Saul recognizes that they lack a formal present. Such an offering is specifically meant as a dignified tribute brought when seeking an audience with a king or a highly distinguished individual [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. Saul essentially draws a line between two types of compensation. While a minor item might have been enough to pay an ordinary person for their trouble, approaching a man of God requires a significant, respectful tribute that matches his elevated status. Looking at their empty hands, Saul realizes they have absolutely nothing of that magnitude to offer [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].