Initially, Saul wanted guidance from the Lord as to how he should proceed. When it became clear to him that the Philistines were routing he did not want to miss the opportunity to attack, and he determined that it was no longer necessary for a special word from God.1
19 Pendant que Saül parlait au sacrificateur, le tumulte dans le camp des Philistins allait toujours croissant; et Saül dit au sacrificateur: Retire ta main!