1 Samuel 28:19

Of the Philistines. Because Saul voluntarily debased himself by playing into the hands of the adversary, Satan used this opportunity to taunt and discourage him. With the battle impending, Satan made Saul feel that he had lost. Actually the Lord might as readily have saved Israel now as He had at Mizpah (ch. 7:10). But at that time Israel confessed their sin and “cried unto the Lord.” Had Saul confessed his sin, gathered all Israel together, told them of his weakness, and led the host in a renewed dedication to the Lord, the outcome of the battle might have been vastly different. By holding before the king the apparent hopelessness of any pardon, and the vastness of his rebellion against God, Satan succeeded in completely discouraging Saul and leading him on to his ruin.