1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
8 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.
9 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?
10 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, [As] the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.
11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
12 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.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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.
16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
17 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:
18 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.
19 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.
20 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.
21 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.
22 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.
23 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.
24 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:
25 And she brought [it] before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.
Summary of 1 Samuel 28
1 Samuel 28 recounts a pivotal moment in the life of King Saul, highlighting themes of desperation, the supernatural, and the consequences of disobedience. This chapter is notable for its depiction of Saul’s encounter with the Witch of Endor, illustrating his decline and the tragic fate that awaits him.
Key Characters
- King Saul: The first king of Israel, who has fallen out of favor with God.
- Samuel: The prophet and judge of Israel, who has died prior to this chapter.
- The Witch of Endor: A medium who conjures the spirit of Samuel at Saul’s request.
- David: The future king of Israel, who is currently anointed but not yet in power.
Contextual Background
This chapter takes place during a time of conflict between Israel and the Philistines. Saul, having been rejected by God, is in a state of despair as he faces an impending battle. He seeks guidance but finds that God no longer answers him through dreams, prophets, or the Urim.
Plot Analysis
- Saul’s Desperation:
In verses 1-6, Saul is depicted as anxious and fearful about the upcoming battle with the Philistines. His attempts to seek divine guidance are met with silence, leading him to seek out a medium.
- Seeking the Witch of Endor:
In verses 7-10, Saul disguises himself and visits the Witch of Endor, seeking to summon the spirit of Samuel. This act is significant as it demonstrates Saul’s complete departure from God’s commandments, which forbade necromancy.
- The Summoning of Samuel:
In verses 11-14, the witch successfully conjures Samuel’s spirit. Saul is initially shocked but soon engages in conversation with Samuel, who rebukes Saul for his disobedience and informs him of his impending doom.
- Samuel’s Prophecy:
In verses 15-19, Samuel delivers a grim message to Saul, foretelling that he and his sons will die in battle the next day, and that Israel will be defeated. This moment underscores the weight of Saul’s sins and the finality of God’s judgment.
- Saul’s Reaction:
In verses 20-25, Saul is overwhelmed by fear and despair upon hearing Samuel’s prophecy. The witch comforts him, offering food, which he reluctantly accepts. This scene highlights Saul’s vulnerability and the tragic consequences of his choices.
Thematic Analysis
- Desperation and Alienation:
Saul’s turn to a medium reflects his alienation from God and the lengths to which he will go to seek answers. This theme illustrates the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.
- Consequences of Disobedience:
The chapter emphasizes the repercussions of Saul’s disobedience to God. His actions lead to his downfall and the loss of his kingdom, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of faithfulness.
- The Supernatural:
The summoning of Samuel raises questions about the nature of the afterlife and God’s sovereignty over it. It challenges the reader to consider the implications of communicating with the dead and the boundaries set by God.
Conclusion
1 Samuel 28 serves as a turning point in the narrative of Saul’s life, encapsulating the themes of despair, disobedience, and the supernatural. It illustrates the tragic consequences of straying from God’s will and the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of crisis.
