Biblical Context:
The narrative of Saul inquiring about David is situated within the broader account of David's rise and Saul's decline as the first king of Israel. This episode is primarily found in the First Book of Samuel, which details the transition of Israel from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. Saul, anointed by the prophet Samuel, initially enjoyed God's favor but later fell out of divine grace due to disobedience. David, a young shepherd, emerges as a key figure, anointed by Samuel to be Saul's successor.

Scriptural Account:
The specific inquiry of Saul about David occurs after David's victory over Goliath, a Philistine giant. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 17. Following David's triumph, Saul becomes increasingly curious about the young hero who has captured the admiration of the people and the favor of God.

1 Samuel 17:55-58 provides the account:
"As Saul watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he asked Abner, the commander of the army, 'Whose son is this young man, Abner?' 'As surely as you live, O king, I do not know,' Abner replied. 'Find out whose son this young man is!' said the king. So when David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine’s head. 'Whose son are you, young man?' asked Saul. 'I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,' David replied."

Theological Significance:
Saul's inquiry about David is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights Saul's growing insecurity and the beginning of his obsession with David. Despite David's service to Saul as a musician and armor-bearer (1 Samuel 16:21-23), Saul's question suggests a lack of recognition or perhaps a deeper, symbolic inquiry into David's identity and future role in Israel.

Secondly, this moment underscores the divine orchestration of events. David's victory over Goliath is not merely a personal triumph but a pivotal moment in God's plan for Israel. Saul's inquiry, therefore, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the shift in divine favor from Saul to David.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In ancient Israel, lineage and family background were crucial for understanding a person's social standing and potential. Saul's question about David's parentage reflects the importance of family ties in determining one's role and influence within the community. David's identification as the son of Jesse of Bethlehem situates him within the tribe of Judah, aligning with the prophetic anticipation of Judah's prominence (Genesis 49:10).

Character Analysis:
Saul's character is complex, marked by initial humility and later consumed by jealousy and paranoia. His inquiry about David reveals a moment of vulnerability and foreshadows his eventual downfall. In contrast, David is portrayed as a humble servant, yet divinely chosen and destined for greatness. His response to Saul is respectful and straightforward, reflecting his character's integrity and faithfulness.

Implications for Israel:
The inquiry sets the stage for the ensuing tension between Saul and David, which becomes a central theme in the narrative of 1 Samuel. This tension illustrates the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the establishment of a king "after His own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). David's rise and Saul's decline serve as a reminder of the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God's commands.

Conclusion:
While the account of Saul inquiring about David is brief, it is rich with theological and narrative significance. It marks a turning point in the history of Israel's monarchy and sets the stage for the unfolding drama of divine election and human agency.