1 Samuel 28

In 1 Samuel 28, we see a critical turning point in Saul’s reign as the king of Israel. Saul, desperate and fearful of an impending battle with the Philistines, seeks guidance, but God does not answer him. In his desperation, Saul turns to a medium, an act that directly disobeys God’s commandments. This chapter recounts his encounter with the witch of Endor and the ominous message he receives, marking the final decline of his kingship.

1 Samuel 28:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Now it happened in those days that the Philistines gathered their armies together for war, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, “You assuredly know that you will go out with me to battle, you and your men.”
2 So David said to Achish, “Surely you know what your servant can do.” And Achish said to David, “Therefore I will make you one of my chief guardians forever.”

David, while living among the Philistines, finds himself in a delicate situation. Achish, the Philistine king, trusts David and expects him to fight against Israel, David’s own people. David’s response is vague, showing his strategic diplomacy, allowing him to avoid direct commitment to fight against Israel while still maintaining Achish’s favor. Achish’s promise to make David his chief bodyguard reflects the deep trust he has in David, unaware of David's true loyalties.

1 Samuel 28:3-5 (NKJV)
3 Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had lamented for him and buried him in Ramah, in his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the spiritists out of the land.
4 Then the Philistines gathered together, and came and encamped at Shunem. So Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped at Gilboa.
5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.

The death of Samuel is mentioned to highlight the loss of spiritual guidance for Saul. Despite earlier removing mediums from the land, Saul is now in a situation of despair as the Philistine threat looms large. His fear grows, knowing he is without Samuel’s counsel and that God has been silent. This sets the stage for Saul’s later decision to seek forbidden spiritual advice in his desperation.

1 Samuel 28:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.
7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.”

Saul tries to seek guidance from God, but no response comes through any of the usual means. The silence of God reflects the broken relationship between Saul and the Lord due to his past disobedience. In his despair, Saul turns to a forbidden practice, seeking out a medium, directly contradicting his own earlier laws that had banned such individuals from Israel. His servants readily know of a medium, showing how deeply Saul’s kingdom has declined in morality.

1 Samuel 28:8-10 (NKJV)
8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes, and he went, and two men with him; and they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Please conduct a séance for me, and bring up for me the one I shall name to you.”
9 Then the woman said to him, “Look, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the spiritists from the land. Why then do you lay a snare for my life, to cause me to die?”
10 And Saul swore to her by the Lord, saying, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.”

Saul disguises himself to avoid being recognized and goes secretly to the medium. The medium is cautious, knowing that practicing sorcery is illegal, but Saul reassures her with an oath in God’s name, ironically using the Lord’s name to violate His law. Saul’s desperation has led him to act hypocritically, disregarding his earlier stance on mediums and ignoring God’s will.

1 Samuel 28:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”
12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!”

Saul asks the medium to bring up Samuel, the prophet who had been his guide before. When Samuel’s spirit appears, the medium is startled, realizing that her client is none other than King Saul. This reaction suggests that the medium may not have expected such an actual manifestation, highlighting the seriousness of what is occurring. Saul’s true identity is revealed, adding to the tension of the scene.

1 Samuel 28:13-14 (NKJV)
13 And the king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What did you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I saw a spirit ascending out of the earth.”
14 So he said to her, “What is his form?” And she said, “An old man is coming 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 down.

Saul is eager to hear from Samuel, asking the medium what she sees. Her description of an old man in a mantle leads Saul to believe that it is indeed Samuel. Saul’s reverence in bowing down shows his fear and respect for Samuel, but it also emphasizes his desperation to gain any form of guidance, even if it means defying God’s commandments.

1 Samuel 28:15 (NKJV)
15 Now Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” And Saul answered, “I am deeply distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God has departed from me and does not answer me anymore, neither by prophets nor by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may reveal to me what I should do.”

Samuel’s first words express displeasure at being disturbed. Saul’s response reveals his deep anxiety, as he feels abandoned by God. His acknowledgment that God no longer speaks to him, whether through prophets or dreams, shows how isolated Saul feels. His plea to Samuel for guidance is an attempt to find some form of direction in a situation where God has turned away from him due to his disobedience.

1 Samuel 28:16-19 (NKJV)
16 Then Samuel said: “So why do you ask me, seeing the Lord has departed from you and has become your enemy?
17 And the Lord has done for Himself 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 nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day.
19 Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”

Samuel reminds Saul that the Lord has departed from him and become his adversary. He reiterates the reason for Saul’s downfall: his disobedience, particularly in failing to carry out God’s command concerning the Amalekites. Samuel also delivers a grim prophecy, stating that the Philistines will defeat Israel, and Saul and his sons will die the next day. This devastating message reveals the full consequences of Saul’s rebellion and God’s judgment against him.

1 Samuel 28:20 (NKJV)
20 Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, and was dreadfully afraid because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no food all day or all night.

Saul’s immediate reaction to Samuel’s prophecy is one of overwhelming fear and despair. The weight of the message crushes Saul’s spirit, leaving him physically weak. His lack of strength is also due to fasting, which he may have done in hopes of seeking divine guidance. The combination of spiritual and physical exhaustion reflects the complete collapse of Saul’s once-mighty kingship.

1 Samuel 28:21-23 (NKJV)
21 And the woman came to Saul and saw that he was severely troubled, and said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hands and heeded the words which you spoke to me.
22 Now therefore, please, heed also the voice of your maidservant, and let me set a piece of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.”
23 But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” So his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he heeded their voice. Then he arose from the ground and sat on the bed.

The medium, seeing Saul’s distress, pleads with him to eat. She reminds him that she risked her life by obeying his request, and now she asks for his cooperation in eating for his own strength. Saul initially refuses but eventually gives in to the urging of both his servants and the woman. His reluctance to eat reflects his deep depression, but he accepts their care in his vulnerable state.

1 Samuel 28:24-25 (NKJV)
24 Now the woman had a fatted calf in the house, and she hastened to kill it. And she took flour and kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread from it.
25 So she brought it before Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they rose and went away that night.

The woman prepares a meal for Saul and his men, using a fatted calf and baking unleavened bread. This gesture of hospitality is significant, as it provides physical nourishment for Saul before what will be his final battle. After eating, Saul and his men depart into the night, setting the stage for the tragic fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecy. This moment marks the end of Saul’s reign and foreshadows the impending doom of Israel’s leadership.