Overview
1 Samuel 28 is a pivotal chapter that captures the depths of King Saul’s despair and his turn to forbidden practices as he faces the threat of the Philistine army. This chapter highlights Saul’s spiritual decline and foreshadows the tragic end of his reign. Key aspects include:
Philistine War Preparations and David’s Role: The Philistines gather their forces for war against Israel. Achish, the king of Gath, expects David and his men to join the Philistine army, creating a complicated situation for David.
Saul’s Desperation for Guidance: Saul, troubled by the Philistine threat and abandoned by the LORD (who no longer answers him through dreams, Urim, or prophets), seeks a medium to consult the spirit world for guidance.
Consultation with the Witch of Endor: In disguise, Saul visits a medium at Endor, asking her to conjure up the spirit of Samuel. Despite the ban on necromancy and having driven out mediums and spiritists, Saul is desperate for direction.
The Apparition of Samuel: The medium conjures an apparition resembling Samuel, which frightens her. Saul perceives it to be Samuel and asks for his help.
Samuel’s Prophecy of Doom: The apparition, speaking as Samuel, rebukes Saul for disturbing him and reiterates that the LORD has torn the kingdom out of Saul’s hands because of his disobedience. It foretells Israel’s defeat and Saul’s death along with his sons.
Saul’s Distress and the Medium’s Hospitality: Saul, terrified and weakened by the prophecy, is encouraged by the medium and his servants to eat. After initially refusing, he gives in and eats before departing that night.
1 Samuel 28 serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s guidance. Saul’s recourse to a medium, in defiance of God’s law, signifies his spiritual and moral decay. The prophecy of doom from the apparition of Samuel sets the stage for the final chapters of Saul’s troubled reign, emphasizing the irrevocable nature of divine judgment when faced with persistent disobedience. This chapter starkly contrasts Saul’s decline with David’s rising fortunes, as the narrative of the first king of Israel heads towards its tragic conclusion.