He stayed seven days, according to the set time that Samuel [had appointed]: but Samuel didn't come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.
"As soon as he had finished  ...  Samuel came"  (1 Samuel 13:10).  Thus Samuel came on the day appointed, arriving just as the burnt offering had been offered and before the peace offering had been offered.  Saul had not waited seven days, because the seventh day was not over when he decided to take matters into his own hands.  "It is evident that Samuel came on the seventh day, and that Saul in his impetuosity could not stay the whole day out."[10]  "Saul lost his kingdom for want of two or three hours patience."[11]