1And in those days, the Philistines gathered their armies for war with Israel. And Achish told David, “Know assuredly, that you and your men shall go out with me to battle.” 2And David said to Achish, “Then you shall see what your servant can do.” And Achish said to David, “I will make you my bodyguard forever.”

3Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned him, and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had banned those who were mediums, and wizards, from the land.

4And the Philistines assembled, and came and camped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they camped in Gilboa. 5And when Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he became fearful. 6Then Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him - not by dreams, by Urim, nor by prophets. 7Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may ask counsel of her.” And his servants told him, “There is a woman who is a medium at En-dor.”

8So Saul disguised himself, put on other clothing, and went with two men, and they came to the woman at night; and he said, “I pray you, divine to me as a medium, and bring up to me whomever I shall name.” 9And the woman said, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has banished those who are mediums and the wizards from the land. So why put my life in danger?” 10And Saul swore to her by the LORD: “As the LORD lives, you will receive no punishment for this.” 11Then she said, “Whom shall I bring up to you?” And he said, “Bring me up Samuel.” 12And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice. And said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul.” 13And the king told her, “Be not afraid; but what did you see?” And the woman said, “I saw a god (ghostly figure) coming out of the earth.” 14And Saul asked, “What does he look like?” And she said, “An old man coming up; and he is wearing a mantle.” And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed himself to the ground.

15And Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me, by bringing me up?” And Saul answered, “I am very much distressed; for the Philistines wage war with me, and God has departed from me, and no longer answers me - not by prophets, nor by dreams; that is why I have called you, that you may tell me what I should do.” 16And Samuel replied, “Then why do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you, and has become your enemy? 17The LORD has done what He spoke through me; for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your rival, David: 18Because you disobeyed the LORD, and did not execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek; that is why the LORD has done this to you today. 19The LORD will turn both you and Israel over to the Philistines; and tomorrow, you and your sons shall be with me. The LORD also shall turn the army of Israel over to the Philistines.” 20Then Saul fell full length on the earth, full of fear because of Samuel’s words; and there was no strength in him; for he had not eaten all that day, or that night.

21And the woman came to Saul, and saw that he was very much troubled, and said to him, “Look, I have obeyed you, and I have taken my life into my hands, and have done what you told me. 22Now, please hear me, and let me set some food before you. Eat, and regain your strength, then go on your way.” 23But Saul refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, along with the woman, compelled him; and he complied, and arose from the earth, and sat on the bed. 24And the woman had a fat calf; and she hurriedly killed it, took flour, kneaded it, and baked it into unleavened bread. 25And she brought it to Saul and his servants; and they ate. Then they arose, and went away that night.