1 Samuel 28:7-20 is about King Saul seeking guidance from a medium to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel, showcasing Saul’s desperation and God’s judgment upon him for turning away from seeking God’s counsel.
7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.”
8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.”
9 The woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the necromancers from the land. Why then are you laying a trap for my life to bring about my death?”
10 But Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.”
11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” He said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”
12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul.”
13 The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.”
14 He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.
15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have summoned you to tell me what I should do.”
16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy?
17 The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David.
18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day.
19 Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.
20 Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night.
Setting the Scene for 1 Samuel 28:7-20
In 1 Samuel 28:7-20, we find King Saul in a desperate situation. The Philistine army has gathered for war against Israel, and Saul is filled with fear and uncertainty. Feeling abandoned by God and receiving no answers through dreams, prophets, or the Urim and Thummim, Saul decides to seek guidance from a medium, even though he had previously banished all mediums and spiritists from the land.
Saul disguises himself and goes to the medium of Endor, a woman known for her ability to communicate with the dead. The medium is initially hesitant, fearing a trap set by Saul to have her killed. However, Saul assures her safety, and she agrees to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. As the medium calls upon Samuel, she is shocked to see the actual spirit of Samuel appear before her, foretelling Saul’s impending doom and the defeat of Israel in battle.
The scene is tense and eerie, set in a dimly lit room with flickering candles casting shadows on the walls. The medium is trembling as she witnesses the unexpected manifestation of Samuel’s spirit. King Saul, filled with dread and desperation, listens intently to Samuel’s words, realizing the gravity of his situation. The atmosphere is heavy with the weight of impending doom and the consequences of Saul’s actions.
What is 1 Samuel 28:7-20 about?
King Saul’s decision to consult a medium to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel carries significant meaning in this verse. It showcases Saul’s desperation and lack of faith in seeking guidance from unconventional sources, despite having previously banned mediums and spiritists in his kingdom. Saul reveals his wavering trust in God and his increasing fear and uncertainty about his future by resorting to this forbidden practice. This action ultimately foreshadows his tragic downfall and demise in battle. Reflecting on this verse prompts us to consider the implications of placing our trust and faith in external sources rather than relying on God. It urges us to ponder the consequences of turning to forbidden practices out of fear and uncertainty, instead of seeking solace and guidance through prayer and obedience to divine teachings. Saul’s misguided decision serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of steadfast faith and reliance on God’s wisdom and guidance in times of trouble and adversity. What lessons can we draw from Saul’s actions, and how can we apply them to our own lives to strengthen our faith and trust in God’s providence? Let us learn from Saul’s mistakes and strive to cultivate unwavering faith and reliance on God in all circumstances.
Understanding what 1 Samuel 28:7-20 really means
In 1 Samuel 28:7-20, we witness a pivotal moment in King Saul’s life as he turns to the forbidden practice of consulting a medium, the Witch of Endor, to seek guidance. Saul’s desperation is palpable as he faces the Philistine army and finds himself cut off from God’s usual means of communication. This act of seeking out a medium goes against God’s explicit commands, revealing Saul’s spiritual crisis and his willingness to disobey in his quest for answers.
The key phrases in this passage shed light on Saul’s state of mind and the gravity of his actions. When Saul requests to find a woman with a familiar spirit, it showcases his desperation and disregard for God’s laws. His admission that God has departed from him and no longer answers him underscores the severity of his situation. The questioning of Saul by the spirit of Samuel upon being summoned emphasizes the seriousness of disturbing the dead and the consequences of Saul’s actions.
Drawing connections to other biblical passages, such as Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Isaiah 8:19, and 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, reinforces the gravity of Saul’s disobedience. These verses explicitly forbid practices like divination and consulting with spirits, warning against seeking mediums and underscoring the importance of faithfulness to God.
The relevance of Saul’s story to people today serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God and seeking guidance from forbidden sources. It highlights the need for patience and faithfulness, even when God’s voice seems silent. Anecdotes illustrating modern parallels, like turning to horoscopes or psychics instead of seeking God’s guidance, demonstrate the potential pitfalls of seeking quick fixes rather than trusting in God’s wisdom.
Reflecting on Saul’s actions prompts us to consider our own responses in times of desperation. Have we sought God’s guidance and trusted in His timing, or have we turned to questionable sources for quick solutions? The lesson from Saul’s story is clear: obedience and trust in God’s timing are paramount, even when we are faced with uncertainty. Encouraging others to seek God through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel reinforces the importance of relying on God rather than turning to unbiblical practices for guidance.
By internalizing the consequences of Saul’s actions and the lessons learned from his story, we can cultivate a deeper trust in God’s wisdom and faithfulness, even in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
How does consulting spiritual mediums affect our relationship with God?
Consulting spiritual mediums goes against God’s will as He clearly forbids seeking out mediums or spiritists in the verse. We are essentially placing our trust in human beings who claim to have access to supernatural knowledge by seeking guidance or communication from mediums, instead of relying on God for guidance and seeking Him directly through prayer and His word. This act shows a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide for us and guide us in the right direction.
Furthermore, consulting spiritual mediums can lead us down a dangerous path, as it opens us up to deception and potential spiritual harm. God warns against such practices because they often involve connecting with evil spirits or entities that masquerade as benevolent beings, seeking to mislead and deceive us. Engaging with mediums risks straying further away from God and His truth, ultimately weakening our relationship with Him.
Instead of turning to mediums for answers or guidance, we are called to trust in God’s wisdom, seek His will through prayer and meditation on His word, and rely on the Holy Spirit for direction and discernment. We can strengthen our relationship with God and experience His guidance and presence in our lives by staying faithful to Him and His teachings.
Application
Do not stray away from God’s path by seeking answers in the wrong places. Trust in Him wholeheartedly for guidance in all situations. Remember, God is the ultimate source of wisdom and support. So, will you make the choice to depend solely on Him for direction and strength?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.