The pronoun they refers back to the unknown group of people who had gone to look for Saul without being able to find him. See the comments at verse 21.

Inquired … of the LORD: probably by casting lots again (see verse 20).

Did the man come hither? Revised Standard Version is based on the Septuagint, which has a definite article before the word man. This reading does fit well with the end of the verse, in which the LORD speaks about someone definite in response to the people’s question. Revised Standard Version is also based on a correction of the Hebrew text, in which the adverb “yet” is changed to the preposition “as far as” or “up to” and is then left untranslated.

Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, however, gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text, which reflects the fact that the people do not yet personally know Saul. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament also recommends that the Hebrew adverb “yet” be translated “moreover,” or “in addition.” Possible translations include “Is there still another man to come here?” or “Has anyone else come here?” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible).

Behold: on the function and translation of this particle, see page 18 and following. Here the particle serves to highlight the pronoun he. In some languages it may be possible to capture the force of this particle by placing the pronoun in italics as follows: “The LORD said, ‘He has hidden himself….’ ” But normally such punctuation devices are not to be relied on to communicate meaning. Perhaps the emphasis can be better shown by transforming the pronoun to the noun “Saul,” as Good News Translation has done. Or some may say “There he is, hiding….”

Baggage: this word is a translation of a very general Hebrew term that may be rendered in a wide variety of ways from “utensils” to “armor.” In this context it doubtful that it means “baggage” in the sense of suitcases prepared for travel. Rather it is more likely to be a reference to some sort of military equipment. Anchor Bible translates “the gear,” while Knox has Saul “hiding in his tent.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .