Explanation of 1 Samuel 28

Explanation of 1 Samuel 28

Introduction

1 Samuel 28 is one of the most dramatic and eerie chapters in the Bible. It tells the story of King Saul, who, in his desperation before battle, seeks guidance from a medium at Endor. This chapter marks a crucial turning point in Saul’s tragic downfall, as he faces divine silence, resorts to necromancy, and receives a terrifying prophecy from the spirit of the prophet Samuel.

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Background Context

Before diving into the events of the chapter, it is essential to understand the background:

1. Saul's Decline – Earlier in 1 Samuel, Saul had disobeyed God on multiple occasions (1 Samuel 13, 15), leading to his rejection as king. The prophet Samuel had told him that God had chosen David to be the next king (1 Samuel 16).

2. David’s Rise – By this point, David, once a loyal servant of Saul, had fled due to Saul’s jealousy. He was now living among the Philistines, Israel’s enemies, even pretending to be their ally.

3. The Philistine Threat – In 1 Samuel 28, the Philistines have gathered for war against Israel. Saul, seeing their massive army, is terrified.

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Verses and Explanation

Verses 1-2: The Philistine Army and David’s Predicament

• The chapter begins by describing how the Philistines prepare for battle against Israel. Achish, the Philistine king, trusts David, who is living in Philistine territory. Achish expects David and his men to fight alongside him.

• David gives a vague response, avoiding direct commitment.

Verses 3-6: Saul’s Fear and God’s Silence

• The narrative shifts to Saul, who is in a state of panic as he sees the enemy forces.

• The text notes that Samuel, the prophet, had died, and Saul had previously removed all mediums and spiritists from the land (in accordance with God’s law, e.g., Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

• Saul seeks divine guidance, but God does not respond—neither through dreams, Urim (a priestly method of divine revelation), nor prophets.

This divine silence emphasizes that Saul has been abandoned due to his continuous disobedience. Feeling helpless, he seeks guidance from a forbidden source.

Verses 7-10: Saul Seeks the Medium at Endor

• Despite having expelled spiritists, Saul asks his servants to find a medium, and they inform him of one in Endor.

• Disguising himself, Saul visits the medium at night, showing his desperation and fear.

• When the woman hesitates, fearing punishment (since mediums were outlawed), Saul swears an oath that she will not be harmed.

This irony is striking—Saul, who banned mediums according to God’s law, now seeks their help in contradiction to his own decree.

Verses 11-14: The Spirit of Samuel Appears

• The medium asks whom Saul wants to summon, and he requests Samuel.

• When Samuel’s spirit appears, the woman is shocked, suggesting that she was not expecting a real supernatural event.

• Saul perceives Samuel but does not describe him fully. The medium, however, describes an old man in a robe, and Saul recognizes him as Samuel.

This moment raises theological debates—was this truly Samuel, or a demonic deception? The text suggests that it was indeed Samuel, permitted by God to deliver a final message.

Verses 15-19: Samuel’s Message of Doom

• Samuel asks why Saul has disturbed him. Saul explains that God has abandoned him, and he seeks guidance.

• Samuel rebukes Saul, reminding him that his downfall is due to his disobedience (especially in 1 Samuel 15 when he failed to destroy Amalek completely).

• Samuel prophesies that the Philistines will defeat Israel, and Saul, along with his sons, will die the next day.

• He tells Saul that God has already given the kingdom to David.

This prophecy is devastating—it confirms that Saul’s fate is sealed and that his dynasty is at an end.

Verses 20-25: Saul’s Despair and the Medium’s Kindness

• Overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion, Saul collapses.

• The medium and his servants urge him to eat, but he initially refuses. Eventually, he is persuaded, and they prepare a meal.

• After eating, Saul and his men leave, heading toward their tragic fate.

This closing scene highlights Saul’s despair and the finality of his downfall.

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Theological Themes and Lessons

1. The Consequences of Disobedience

• Saul’s story is a warning about the dangers of not following God’s commands.

• His rejection began with partial obedience (1 Samuel 15) and led to complete separation from God.

2. Divine Silence and the Wrong Response

• God’s silence towards Saul was not an invitation to seek alternative methods but a sign of judgment.

• Instead of repenting, Saul turned to the occult—something strictly forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

3. The Reality of Death and Judgment

• Samuel’s message to Saul was grim: his time was up.

• This chapter reminds readers that divine judgment is real and that rejecting God leads to tragic consequences.

4. The Contrast Between Saul and David

• While Saul relied on forbidden practices, David, despite his flaws, consistently sought God’s guidance.

• This contrast highlights why David was called "a man after God’s own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14).

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Was It Really Samuel? Different Views

This chapter sparks debate about whether the spirit Saul encountered was truly Samuel or a demonic impersonation. Three main views exist:

1. Samuel’s Spirit Permitted by God

   • The text presents it as Samuel.

   • His prophecy aligns with God’s previous messages.

   • The medium seems shocked, suggesting she was not controlling the event.

2. A Demonic Deception

   • Some argue that since necromancy is condemned, this must have been a demonic spirit impersonating Samuel.

   • However, the Bible never explicitly states this.

3. A Psychological Event

   • Some suggest that Saul experienced a hallucination due to fear and stress.

   • However, the detailed prophecy makes this unlikely.

The text leans towards the first view—that God allowed Samuel’s spirit to appear to deliver a final prophecy.

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Final Thoughts

1 Samuel 28 is one of the darkest chapters in the Bible. It portrays the tragic fate of a man who, having rejected God, found himself abandoned and resorted to forbidden means. The story warns against disobedience, highlights the importance of seeking God in the right way, and contrasts Saul’s failure with David’s faithfulness.

Ultimately, Saul’s visit to the medium did not change his fate. Instead, it confirmed what had already been determined—his reign was over, and his life would soon end. This chapter serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers of turning away from God.