1 Samuel 28:8-14 is about King Saul seeking the help of a medium to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel, symbolizing his desperation and disobedience to God’s laws, leading to his downfall and ultimate demise.
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.
Setting the Scene for 1 Samuel 28:8-14
In 1 Samuel chapter 28, we find King Saul in a desperate situation. The Philistine army has gathered for war against Israel, and Saul is filled with fear and anxiety as he seeks guidance from the Lord. However, the Lord remains silent, refusing to answer Saul through dreams, prophets, or the Urim and Thummim. Feeling abandoned and desperate, Saul makes a fateful decision to seek out a medium, a practice strictly forbidden by God.
The scene unfolds in the dark of night, with King Saul disguised, making his way to the medium at Endor. The medium, known as the Witch of Endor, is hesitant at first, recognizing Saul and the risks involved in her actions. Despite her initial reluctance, she agrees to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. As the spirit of Samuel appears, the atmosphere becomes tense and eerie, with a sense of foreboding hanging in the air. The ghostly figure of Samuel delivers a message of doom and judgment upon Saul, foretelling his imminent downfall and the defeat of Israel in battle. The scene is filled with tension, fear, and a sense of impending tragedy as Saul receives this haunting prophecy from beyond the grave.
What is 1 Samuel 28:8-14 about?
King Saul, a figure of authority and power, seeks guidance from a medium in this verse to communicate with the spirit of Samuel. This decision to consult a medium goes against the religious norms and beliefs of the time, as communicating with the dead was considered forbidden and unethical in traditional practices. King Saul is demonstrating his desperation and lack of faith by resorting to seeking advice from a medium.
The verse raises questions about the limits of power and the importance of faith and obedience in religious practices. It prompts us to reflect on the consequences of turning to forbidden practices in times of need, and the implications of seeking guidance outside of accepted norms. Through this verse, we are reminded of the significance of staying true to our beliefs and principles, even in moments of difficulty and uncertainty. We are encouraged to consider the importance of trust in divine guidance and the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness as we ponder on Saul’s actions.
Understanding what 1 Samuel 28:8-14 really means
In 1 Samuel 28:8-14, we witness a pivotal moment in King Saul’s life, where desperation drives him to seek guidance through forbidden means. The context reveals Saul’s dire situation, facing the Philistine threat without God’s guidance. His decision to consult the Witch of Endor reflects his deviation from God’s commands, as seeking counsel from mediums was strictly prohibited in Leviticus 19:31. Saul’s attempt to disguise himself before the medium signifies his awareness of the wrongdoing, yet his desperation overrides his obedience.
The key phrase “Bring up Samuel for me” encapsulates Saul’s desperation and his belief that only the deceased prophet Samuel could offer the guidance he sought. However, Samuel’s response upon being summoned reveals the futility of Saul’s actions. The question, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” echoes God’s judgment against Saul, emphasizing the gravity of his disobedience and the consequences he must face.
Connecting this passage to other biblical texts, Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12 reinforce the prohibition against seeking guidance from the dead and consulting mediums. Additionally, 1 Samuel 15:23 draws a parallel between rebellion and divination, linking Saul’s disobedience to his current predicament. These passages collectively emphasize the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the severe repercussions of straying from His will.
In a contemporary context, the narrative of Saul serves as a cautionary tale for individuals facing challenges or seeking guidance. It prompts reflection on where we turn for wisdom in times of need. Rather than resorting to questionable practices or sources, this passage encourages us to prioritize seeking God’s guidance through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel. It underscores the enduring relevance of obedience to God’s commandments and the dangers of seeking answers outside of His will.
Consider a scenario where someone grapples with a significant life decision and contemplates seeking guidance from unconventional sources like astrology or mediums. The lesson from Saul’s story serves as a poignant reminder to rely on God’s wisdom and discernment, steering clear of practices that defy His commands. By heeding this warning, individuals can align themselves with God’s will and avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and spiritual compromise.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 28:8-14 stands as a poignant reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s commands and seeking guidance through forbidden means. It underscores the timeless principles of obedience, reliance on God’s wisdom, and the perils of deviating from His path. Let Saul’s story serve as a beacon, guiding us to seek God’s guidance wholeheartedly and to walk in obedience to His word.
How can we discern and follow God’s will?
We can learn about the dangers of seeking answers from sources outside of God in the story of Saul seeking guidance from the medium at Endor in 1 Samuel 28:8-14. Saul was desperate for guidance and turned to forbidden practices instead of seeking God. This ultimately led to his downfall. This passage highlights the importance of seeking God’s will through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel rather than through ungodly means.
To discern and follow God’s will, we must prioritize our relationship with Him through prayer and regular study of His Word. God speaks to us through His Word, so by familiarizing ourselves with the Scriptures, we can better understand His character and purposes. Additionally, seeking wise counsel from fellow believers who are grounded in the Word can help us gain different perspectives and insights into discerning God’s will for our lives. Surrendering our own desires and submitting to His plans ultimately requires discerning and following God’s will. This may involve stepping out in faith, trusting His timing, and being obedient to His leading even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. We can live in a way that honors God and fulfills His will for our lives by seeking Him earnestly, aligning our desires with His, and walking in obedience to His Word.
Application
In the fast-paced world we live in, distractions can lead us astray from what truly matters. Just as we prioritize our work and family, let us prioritize our faith and trust in the Lord. Let’s not seek guidance from questionable sources but instead turn to God in prayer and through His Word. Will you choose to trust in His plan and guidance wholeheartedly, leaving behind practices that conflict with His teachings?
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.