David wanted to know how the battle went between the Israelites and the Philistines. He was meant to take part in the battle, before the Philistines sent him away (see 1 Samuel 28:1–25). Since he was concerned about the people of Israel (1 Samuel 30:26–31), he would have been hoping for news of an Israelite victory.
4 And David said to him, “How did it go? Tell me.” And he answered, “The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”