1 Samuel 28
Saul Consulted a Medium in Endor
When the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel, and King Saul was desperate for divine guidance, a local medium and a deceased prophet became the final messengers of God’s judgment on the rejected ruler.
My Permanent Bodyguard
Fight Against Israel
Vs. 1 - At that time, the Philistines gathered their military units into one army to fight against Israel.
In his effort to escape King Saul’s relentless pursuit of him, David had taken refuge in the Philistine city of Ziklag under the guise that he had defected from Israel and was no longer sympathetic to their national cause. Now, his loyalty would be tested publicly.
March Out with Me
Vs. 2 - So Achish said to David, “Very well, I will appoint you as my permanent bodyguard.”
Perhaps King Achish was impressed with David’s skills, suspicious of his allegiance, or both, and therefore decided the best place for him to fight was right beside the Philistine leader.
This plan of David’s, while yielding some positive benefits, involved him in deception and lying, plus leaving him vulnerable to Achish if the Philistine king learned what was really happening. - Thomas Constable
The Lord Did Not Answer Him
Samuel Had Died
Vs. 3 - By this time Samuel had died, all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his city, and Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.
Samuel’s death was originally reported in 1 Samuel 25:1. Here, the fact is mentioned again to emphasize the spiritual vacuum left by Samuel’s departure. - David Guzik
Silence from God
Vs. 6 - He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him
Normally when people refuse to pay attention to the word of God, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to hear the word of God. - Thomas Constable
Saul must have been terrified when he could not find any way to hear from God. When was the last time he had asked God for help or received any kind of guidance from a dream or prophet?
Because of Saul’s persistence in rebellion, God would speak to him only once more through an “appearance” of Samuel to inform him that his period of patience was ending. He would die in this battle, and David would take the throne.
Consistently, in scripture, we see that God reveals Himself to the receptive and conceals Himself from the calloused. He resists those who persist in pride but gives grace to those who humbly seek Him (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6-7).
A Medium
Vs. 7 - Saul then said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium…”
Mediums are people who communicate with the dead, and spiritists are those who communicate with evil spirits. The terms always go together in the Old Testament, indicating the close relationship that exists between these activities. The Mosaic Law prescribed death for mediums and spiritists because God promised to give His people all the information He wanted them to have about the future from prophets (Deuteronomy 18). It was unwise, even dangerous and therefore forbidden, for them to seek more information from these other sources. - Thomas Constable
It is interesting to note Saul’s confidence that a medium was readily available despite his earlier efforts to rid the land of sorcerers and spiritists.
An Old Man Is Coming Up
Surprised
Vs. 12 - When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed, and then she asked Saul, “Why did you deceive me? You are Saul!”
Many commentators agree that this woman’s surprise at the appearance of Samuel indicates that she never actually expected to speak with the deceased prophet. She was as shocked as Saul was that this interaction took place.
The incident does not tell us anything about the veracity of claims to consult the dead on the part of mediums, because the indications are that this was an extraordinary event for her, and a frightening one because she was not in control. - Baldwin
I believe that the woman of En-dor had no power over Samuel; and that no incantation can avail over any departed saint of God, nor indeed over any human disembodied spirit. I believe Samuel did actually appear to Saul; and that he was sent by the special mercy of God to warn this infatuated king of his approaching death, that he might have an opportunity to make his peace with his Maker. - Clarke
Disturbed
Vs. 15 - “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Samuel asked Saul.
Vs. 19 - Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me
If this was an actual appearance of the deceased prophet (and the author provides no reason to think otherwise), Samuel’s question is intriguing because it indicates that he was interrupted by this inquisition. Where was he? Where would Saul and Jonathan be the next day? The theories are as numerous as the scholars.
Terrified
Vs. 20 - Immediately, Saul fell flat on the ground. He was terrified by Samuel’s words and was also weak because he had not eaten anything all day and all night.
Saul had failed to obey God many times, but Samuel referenced one specific instance with Amelekites (1 Samuel 15) when God announced His rejection of Saul as king. This was also the first time that Samuel specifically identified David by name as Saul’s successor. This was a final, decisive rejection and declaration of judgment that must have been overwhelming to hear from the deceased prophet.
Can any person read this, properly considering the situation of this unfortunate monarch, the triumph of the enemies of God, and the speedy ruin in which the godlike Jonathan is about to be involved, without feeling the keenest anguish of heart? - Clarke
Vs. 24-25 - The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread. She served it to Saul and his servants, and they ate. Afterward, they got up and left that night.
It’s interesting that the author chose to include this detailed description of the medium’s great effort to care for Saul in his weakened physical and emotional condition. It’s hard to imagine what everyone involved was thinking as she slaughtered her calf and prepared a last supper for the king. Should Saul continue with his plans to fight the Philistines? Should he run for his life? There was little to do but wait for judgment.
