I Samuel 28: Saul's Desperate Descent and Final Judgment
And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.
And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En–dor.
And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.
And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?
And Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.
Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.
And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David:
Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day.
Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.
Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.
Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.
But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:
And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.
I Samuel 28 unveils a pivotal moment in Saul's reign, marked by fear, desperation, and a final, tragic encounter. As we delve into this chapter, we witness the culmination of Saul's spiritual decline and the foreshadowing of his imminent demise.
Achish's Misguided Trust (28:1-2)
Achish, the Philistine king, remained convinced of David's loyalty, completely buying into the deception that David had made himself odious to his own people, Israel (I Samuel 27:12). He believed David and his men were now committed Philistine allies, obligated to fight alongside them against Israel. When the impending battle loomed, Achish left David with no choice but to join the Philistine forces (I Samuel 28:1). David responded with an ambiguous answer that pleased Achish, leading the Philistine king to appoint David as his permanent bodyguard (I Samuel 28:2). This sets the stage for a dramatic turn of events, leaving the reader in suspense as the narrative shifts back to King Saul and his impending crisis.
Saul's Desperate Consultation with a Medium (28:3-25)
This section details Saul's final, desperate act, highlighting the consequences of his disobedience and spiritual decline.
Fear and Spiritual Abandonment (28:3-7)
Saul found himself in dire straits as the Philistine army amassed to wage war against Israel (I Samuel 28:4). Overwhelmed by fear (I Samuel 28:5), Saul faced not only a military crisis but also a profound spiritual one. Samuel, the Lord's prophet, had died, and God refused to answer Saul's desperate pleas for guidance (I Samuel 28:6). Ironically, Saul had previously purged the land of mediums and spiritists (I Samuel 28:3), adhering to the Law of Moses, which strictly forbade consulting such figures (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:9-12). Yet, consumed by desperation and seeking supernatural intervention, Saul turned to the very practices God had explicitly condemned (I Samuel 28:7). This act underscores the totality of his failure as king over God's people.
The Séance and Samuel's Appearance (28:8-14)
Driven by his need for answers, Saul disguised himself and sought out a medium, requesting her to summon a spirit from the dead (I Samuel 28:8). The woman, wary of a potential trap due to Saul's previous actions against such practitioners (I Samuel 28:9), was eventually convinced by Saul's promise of safety. As she performed the ritual, she was shocked when Samuel actually appeared. Immediately recognizing Saul (I Samuel 28:11-12), the medium's fear turned to awe.
The Authenticity of the Encounter (28:14-19)
The nature of this encounter has been subject to much debate among biblical scholars. Was it truly Samuel's spirit, a demonic impersonation, or merely a clever deception by the medium? The text presents it as a genuine appearance of Samuel. It seems unlikely that Saul, in his desperate state, would have been easily fooled by an impersonation. Moreover, Samuel's message of judgment – the loss of the kingdom to David, Saul's impending death, and Israel's defeat – aligned perfectly with future events. It appears that God, in His sovereignty, used this otherwise forbidden means to deliver His verdict upon a rebellious Saul. When Saul pleaded for help, lamenting God's abandonment, Samuel's response was stark: "Of course He has!" (I Samuel 28:15-18). Saul's disobedience had led to the Lord tearing the kingship from him (I Samuel 28:17-18). Samuel then pronounced God's final judgment: Saul and his sons would join him in death the following day (I Samuel 28:19).
Despair and a Moment of Compassion (28:20-25)
Samuel's words struck Saul with devastating force, causing him to collapse to the ground in terror and weakness (I Samuel 28:20). Even the medium, witnessing the pathetic sight of Israel's king prostrate in fear, felt compassion. She persuaded Saul to eat, and he eventually relented, taking a meal (I Samuel 28:22-25). Afterwards, Saul and his entourage departed, returning to the Israelite camp (I Samuel 28:25). This marked Saul's last night on earth, a night filled with dread and the weight of impending doom.
I Samuel 28 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking God's guidance through proper channels. Saul's tragic end underscores the dangers of spiritual compromise and the ultimate futility of seeking help outside of God's will. It highlights the contrast between seeking God in humility and seeking forbidden knowledge in desperation.
And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.
And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En–dor.
And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.
And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?
And Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.
Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.
And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David:
Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day.
Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.
Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.
Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.
But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:
And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.
I Samuel 28 unveils a pivotal moment in Saul's reign, marked by fear, desperation, and a final, tragic encounter. As we delve into this chapter, we witness the culmination of Saul's spiritual decline and the foreshadowing of his imminent demise.
Achish's Misguided Trust (28:1-2)
Achish, the Philistine king, remained convinced of David's loyalty, completely buying into the deception that David had made himself odious to his own people, Israel (I Samuel 27:12). He believed David and his men were now committed Philistine allies, obligated to fight alongside them against Israel. When the impending battle loomed, Achish left David with no choice but to join the Philistine forces (I Samuel 28:1). David responded with an ambiguous answer that pleased Achish, leading the Philistine king to appoint David as his permanent bodyguard (I Samuel 28:2). This sets the stage for a dramatic turn of events, leaving the reader in suspense as the narrative shifts back to King Saul and his impending crisis.
Saul's Desperate Consultation with a Medium (28:3-25)
This section details Saul's final, desperate act, highlighting the consequences of his disobedience and spiritual decline.
Fear and Spiritual Abandonment (28:3-7)
Saul found himself in dire straits as the Philistine army amassed to wage war against Israel (I Samuel 28:4). Overwhelmed by fear (I Samuel 28:5), Saul faced not only a military crisis but also a profound spiritual one. Samuel, the Lord's prophet, had died, and God refused to answer Saul's desperate pleas for guidance (I Samuel 28:6). Ironically, Saul had previously purged the land of mediums and spiritists (I Samuel 28:3), adhering to the Law of Moses, which strictly forbade consulting such figures (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:9-12). Yet, consumed by desperation and seeking supernatural intervention, Saul turned to the very practices God had explicitly condemned (I Samuel 28:7). This act underscores the totality of his failure as king over God's people.
The Séance and Samuel's Appearance (28:8-14)
Driven by his need for answers, Saul disguised himself and sought out a medium, requesting her to summon a spirit from the dead (I Samuel 28:8). The woman, wary of a potential trap due to Saul's previous actions against such practitioners (I Samuel 28:9), was eventually convinced by Saul's promise of safety. As she performed the ritual, she was shocked when Samuel actually appeared. Immediately recognizing Saul (I Samuel 28:11-12), the medium's fear turned to awe.
The Authenticity of the Encounter (28:14-19)
The nature of this encounter has been subject to much debate among biblical scholars. Was it truly Samuel's spirit, a demonic impersonation, or merely a clever deception by the medium? The text presents it as a genuine appearance of Samuel. It seems unlikely that Saul, in his desperate state, would have been easily fooled by an impersonation. Moreover, Samuel's message of judgment – the loss of the kingdom to David, Saul's impending death, and Israel's defeat – aligned perfectly with future events. It appears that God, in His sovereignty, used this otherwise forbidden means to deliver His verdict upon a rebellious Saul. When Saul pleaded for help, lamenting God's abandonment, Samuel's response was stark: "Of course He has!" (I Samuel 28:15-18). Saul's disobedience had led to the Lord tearing the kingship from him (I Samuel 28:17-18). Samuel then pronounced God's final judgment: Saul and his sons would join him in death the following day (I Samuel 28:19).
Despair and a Moment of Compassion (28:20-25)
Samuel's words struck Saul with devastating force, causing him to collapse to the ground in terror and weakness (I Samuel 28:20). Even the medium, witnessing the pathetic sight of Israel's king prostrate in fear, felt compassion. She persuaded Saul to eat, and he eventually relented, taking a meal (I Samuel 28:22-25). Afterwards, Saul and his entourage departed, returning to the Israelite camp (I Samuel 28:25). This marked Saul's last night on earth, a night filled with dread and the weight of impending doom.
I Samuel 28 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking God's guidance through proper channels. Saul's tragic end underscores the dangers of spiritual compromise and the ultimate futility of seeking help outside of God's will. It highlights the contrast between seeking God in humility and seeking forbidden knowledge in desperation.