The raiding companies sent by the Philistines were meant to raid (take gold, silver, and other valuables from the local population) as well as impose their power and authority over the Israelites. Such actions would have demoralized the people of Israel and served to highlight the helplessness of the king (Saul).1 The raiding companies would have also prevented new troops from joining Saul.
17 And raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual;