Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 13:8

8 ¶ And he tarried seven days , according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal, and the people were scattered from him.

Not seven compleat days; for that the last day was not finished, plainly appears from Samuel's reproof, which had then been groundless and absurd, and he had falsly changed Saul with breaking Gods command therein, v. 13. And as Samuel came on the seventh day, and that with intent to Sacrifice; so doubtless he came in due time, for that Work which was to be done before Sun-setting, Exod. 29. 38, 39. So Saul waited onely six compleat days, and part of the seventh, which is here called seven days: for the word Day, is oft used for a part of the Day, as among Lawyers, so also in Sacred Scripture, as Matth. 12. 40. where Christ is said to be in the heart of the Earth three days and three nights, i. e. one whole day, and part of the other two days. Moreover this place may be thus rendred: He tarried until the seventh day, (as this same Phrase is used Gen. 7. 10. Heb. until the seventh of the days) (as the Hebrew Lamed is oft taken) the set time that Samuel had appointed.

Marginal references: Chap. 1[illegible: 1+ letters]. 8.