# Overview 1 Samuel Chapter 28 presents a dramatic moment in the life of #Saul, the first king of #Israel, highlighting his departure from #God’s guidance and his desperate search for answers. As the chapter opens, the #Philistines are gathering their forces to fight against Israel, and Saul is filled with fear and anxiety. In his desperation, Saul seeks guidance, but the #Lord does not answer him, neither by dreams, nor by the #Urim, nor by the prophets. This silence from God underscores Saul's spiritual isolation and the consequences of his disobedience. In a drastic move, Saul seeks out a medium at #Endor, despite having previously banned such practices in Israel, to conjure the spirit of #Samuel the prophet. The encounter with the medium leads to a chilling moment where the spirit of Samuel, brought up at Saul's request, delivers a message of impending doom. Samuel reminds Saul that the Lord has turned away from him and given the kingdom to #David, as foretold due to Saul's failure to obey God’s command regarding the #Amalekites. Samuel prophesies that Israel will be defeated by the Philistines, and that Saul and his sons will die the next day, joining Samuel in death. Overcome by fear and weakness, Saul falls to the ground, highlighting his dire situation and spiritual downfall. This chapter serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of disobedience and turning away from God, contrasting Saul's tragic end with David's rise as the chosen king. ## Theological Insights 1 Samuel 28 presents a complex narrative that highlights themes of divine sovereignty, the consequences of disobedience, and the spiritual realities that exist beyond human understanding. 1. **Divine Sovereignty and Silence**: King #Saul's desperation in seeking guidance from God is met with silence, as God has already rejected him due to his disobedience (see [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]]). This silence underscores the theme of divine sovereignty where God's plans prevail, and human rebellion leads to divine silence. Saul's plight serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of straying from God's commandments. 2. **The Consequences of Disobedience**: Saul's decision to consult a medium at #Endor, despite having previously banned such practices (see [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 28#3]]), illustrates the depth of his spiritual decline. This act of desperation reveals the destructive path of disobedience, highlighting Saul's failure to repent and seek God sincerely. His actions contrast sharply with the Law of #Moses, which forbids necromancy (see [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 19]]), reinforcing the peril of disregarding God's Word. 3. **The Reality of Spiritual Warfare**: The encounter with the spirit of #Samuel serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual realities that exist beyond human perception. This narrative suggests that the spiritual realm is not to be trifled with and that God's laws regarding spiritual practices are given for protection. The appearance of Samuel, who reiterates Saul's impending doom, reinforces that God's judgments are inescapable and that His prophetic word will always come to pass. 4. **The Role of Prophecy**: The message from Samuel reiterates the prophecy given earlier about Saul's downfall and the rise of #David (see [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]]). This encounter not only fulfills Samuel's previous prophecies but also highlights the faithfulness of God in His word. It serves as a reminder that God's purposes will be accomplished, despite human attempts to alter or escape them. 5. **Saul's Tragic End**: The chapter illustrates Saul's tragic trajectory from a chosen king to a desperate, fearful man seeking forbidden means for guidance. Saul's story serves as a cautionary tale about the spiritual decline that follows when one turns away from God. His life contrasts with that of David, who, despite his own failings, seeks God's heart and remains faithful to His covenant. Overall, 1 Samuel 28 provides a profound reflection on the themes of divine judgment, the necessity of obedience, and the reality of the spiritual world. It serves as an admonition for believers to remain steadfast in faith, obedient to God's laws, and aware of the spiritual battles that influence the physical world. ## Thematic Connections ### Seeking Guidance Outside of God In 1 Samuel 28, #Saul seeks guidance from a medium, violating the law of God outlined in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 19|Leviticus 19:31]] and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 18|Deuteronomy 18:10-12]]. This act of desperation highlights a recurring biblical theme of the consequences of turning away from God to seek wisdom or direction. Similar warnings and consequences are seen in the life of [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 1|King Ahaziah]], who sought the counsel of Baal-Zebub, and in the broader narrative of Israel's recurring idolatry. ### The Silence of God Saul's inability to receive a response from God through dreams, Urim, or prophets underscores the theme of divine silence in response to persistent disobedience. This is reminiscent of the period before [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 3|Samuel's call]] when "the word of the Lord was rare." It speaks to a broader biblical principle that relationship with God requires obedience and that persistent sin leads to a breakdown in communication with the divine. ### The Fate of the Disobedient The chapter foreshadows Saul's impending doom, echoing the theme of divine retribution for disobedience that runs throughout Scripture. This mirrors the downfall of other leaders who defied God, such as [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 14|Jeroboam]], whose house was cut off due to sin. The narrative of Saul emphasizes the certainty of God's judgment upon those who forsake His commandments. ### The Role of Prophets The appearance of #Samuel, even after death, underscores the authoritative role of prophets as God's spokespersons. Samuel's message to Saul reiterates the judgment previously declared, illustrating that divine pronouncements through prophets are irrevocable and enduring. This theme is consistent with the role of prophets throughout the Old Testament, such as [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 12|Nathan]] confronting David and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 6|Isaiah]] speaking to the kings of Judah. ### Fear and Desperation Saul's fear of the #Philistines and his desperation to know the outcome of the battle highlight a theme of fear leading to unwise decisions. This is a recurring motif in the Bible, where fear often leads to a lack of faith, as seen in the Israelites’ fear at the borders of the Promised Land in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 13|Numbers 13]]. The story of Saul serves as a cautionary tale about how fear can drive individuals away from trusting in God's sovereignty. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Rejection of Saul as King In 1 Samuel 28, the narrative of #Saul seeking counsel from the medium at Endor underscores the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Saul’s rejection as king. This prophecy is rooted in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15|1 Samuel 15:26-28]], where #Samuel declares that the LORD has rejected Saul from being king over #Israel due to his disobedience. The desperation and fear that lead Saul to seek a medium’s guidance highlight the collapse of his spiritual authority and the fulfillment of God’s judgment against him. ### The Rise of David The events in this chapter also indirectly affirm the prophetic rise of #David, as foretold in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16|1 Samuel 16:1-13]], where Samuel anoints David as the future king of Israel. Saul’s inability to receive guidance from the LORD and his turning to forbidden practices contrasts with David's growing favor with God. This reinforces the divine transition from Saul’s rejected kingship to David’s anointed future, fulfilling the prophecy of David’s rise to leadership. ### The End of Saul’s Dynasty The appearance of the spirit of Samuel reiterates the prophecy of Saul’s downfall, as mentioned in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15|1 Samuel 15:28-29]] and [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 13|1 Samuel 13:13-14]]. Samuel’s message to Saul through the medium confirms that the kingdom has been torn from Saul and given to David, fulfilling the LORD’s decree that Saul’s dynasty would not endure. This prophecy comes to a head with the prediction of Saul’s imminent defeat in the battle against the Philistines, marking the prophetic end of his reign. ## Verses - **1 Samuel 28:1** - "About that time the Philistines mustered their armies for another war with #Israel. King #Achish told #David, 'You and your men will be expected to join me in battle.'" - See also [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 27]] for David's relationship with Achish. - **1 Samuel 28:2** - "'Very well!' David agreed. 'Now you will see for yourself what we can do.' Then Achish told David, 'I will make you my personal bodyguard for life.'" - Refer to [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 27]] for David's previous interactions with Achish. - **1 Samuel 28:3** - "Meanwhile, #Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown. And Saul had banned from the land of Israel all mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead." - Samuel's death is also mentioned in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 25]]. - **1 Samuel 28:4** - "The Philistines set up their camp at Shunem, and Saul gathered all the army of Israel and camped at Gilboa." - See also [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 29]] for further context on the Philistines' movements. - **1 Samuel 28:5** - "When Saul saw the vast Philistine army, he became frantic with fear." - Saul's fear and previous actions can be seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 13]] and [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]]. - **1 Samuel 28:6** - "He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets." - Similar situations of seeking the Lord's guidance are found in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 14]]. - **1 Samuel 28:7** - "Saul then said to his advisers, 'Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do.' His advisers replied, 'There is a medium at Endor.'" - Saul's previous stance on mediums is noted in verse 3. - **1 Samuel 28:8** - "So Saul disguised himself by wearing ordinary clothing instead of his royal robes. Then he went to the woman’s home at night, accompanied by two of his men. 'I have to talk to a man who has died,' he said. 'Will you call up his spirit for me?'" - **1 Samuel 28:9** - "'Are you trying to get me killed?' the woman demanded. 'You know that Saul has outlawed all the mediums and all who consult the spirits of the dead. Why are you setting a trap for me?'" - **1 Samuel 28:10** - "But Saul took an oath in the name of the Lord and promised, 'As surely as the Lord lives, nothing bad will happen to you for doing this.'" - **1 Samuel 28:11** - "Finally, the woman said, 'Well, whose spirit do you want me to call up?' 'Call up Samuel,' Saul replied." - Samuel's previous interactions with Saul can be found in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]]. - **1 Samuel 28:12** - "When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed, 'You’ve deceived me! You are Saul!'" - **1 Samuel 28:13** - "'Don’t be afraid!' the king told her. 'What do you see?' 'I see a god coming up out of the earth,' she said." - **1 Samuel 28:14** - "'What does he look like?' Saul asked. 'He is an old man wrapped in a robe,' she replied. Saul realized it was Samuel, and he fell to the ground before him." - **1 Samuel 28:15** - "'Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?' Samuel asked Saul. 'Because I am in deep trouble,' Saul replied. 'The Philistines are at war with me, and God has left me and won’t reply by prophets or dreams.'" - See [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]] for Samuel's last interaction with Saul. - **1 Samuel 28:16** - "But Samuel replied, 'Why ask me, since the Lord has left you and has become your enemy?'" - **1 Samuel 28:17** - "The Lord has done just as he said he would. He has torn the kingdom from you and given it to your rival, David." - This was previously prophesied in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]]. - **1 Samuel 28:18** - "The Lord has done this to you today because you refused to carry out his fierce anger against the Amalekites." - **1 Samuel 28:19** - "What’s more, the Lord will hand you and the army of Israel over to the Philistines tomorrow, and you and your sons will be here with me. The Lord will bring down the entire army of Israel in defeat." - **1 Samuel 28:20** - "Saul fell full length on the ground, paralyzed with fright because of Samuel’s words. He was also faint with hunger, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night." - **1 Samuel 28:21** - "When the woman saw how distraught he was, she said, 'Sir, I obeyed your command at the risk of my life.'" - **1 Samuel 28:22** - "'Now do what I say, and let me give you a little something to eat so you can regain your strength for the trip back.'" - **1 Samuel 28:23** - "But Saul refused to eat anything. Then his advisers joined the woman in urging him to eat, so he finally yielded and got up from the ground and sat on the couch." - **1 Samuel 28:24** - "The woman had been fattening a calf, so she hurried out and killed it. She took some flour, kneaded it into dough, and baked unleavened bread." - **1 Samuel 28:25** - "She brought the meal to Saul and his advisers, and they ate it. Then they went out into the night."