"Whom shall I bring up for you?" the woman asked. "Bring up Samuel," he replied. “Whom shall I bring up for you?”Necromancy was forbidden by God because Israel was to seek the living God for wisdom, direction, and deliverance (Deuteronomy 18:10–12; Isaiah 8:19). Saul had once removed mediums and spiritists from the land, yet his rebellion had brought him to seek help through the very practices he had condemned. The language of bringing someone “up” reflects the ancient understanding of the realm of the dead as beneath the earth. 1Ch 10:13-14 So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD… the woman asked. The medium’s question reveals that she expected to perform a ritual by which the dead could supposedly be summoned. Her presence at Endor, near the battlefield where Saul faced the Philistines, underscores the spiritual darkness surrounding Saul’s final days. God had ceased answering Saul through dreams, the Urim, or prophets because Saul persistently rejected His word. Lev 19:31 You must not turn to mediums or spiritists;… “Bring up Samuel,” he replied. Saul sought Samuel because the prophet had been God’s faithful messenger throughout Saul’s reign. Although Samuel had died, Saul still recognized that he alone had spoken God’s truth without fear or flattery. Saul’s request was not an act of faithful repentance but a desperate attempt to obtain guidance while refusing to return humbly to the Lord. The account later identifies the one who appeared as Samuel, showing that God sovereignly allowed Samuel to confront Saul; the medium did not possess authority over the dead. 1Sa 25:1 When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him;… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance in a time of desperation. His actions in this chapter reflect his spiritual decline and disobedience to God. 2. The Medium at Endor A woman who practices necromancy, which was forbidden in Israel. Saul seeks her out to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel. 3. Samuel The deceased prophet whom Saul wishes to consult. Samuel had been a significant spiritual leader and advisor to Saul during his reign. 4. Endor A location in ancient Israel where the medium resided. Saul visits this place secretly, as consulting mediums was against God's law. 5. The Philistines The enemies of Israel, whose impending attack prompts Saul to seek guidance through forbidden means. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's decision to consult a medium reflects his ongoing disobedience to God. This serves as a warning about the spiritual consequences of turning away from God's commands. Seeking God in Times of Trouble Instead of seeking forbidden practices, believers are encouraged to turn to God in prayer and scripture for guidance during difficult times. The Dangers of Desperation Desperation can lead to poor decision-making. It's crucial to remain steadfast in faith and trust in God's timing and wisdom. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership Samuel's role as a spiritual leader highlights the importance of having godly mentors and advisors in our lives. God's Sovereignty and Judgment Despite Saul's attempts to control his situation, God's sovereignty and judgment prevail. This reminds us of the futility of trying to circumvent God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Saul's decision to consult a medium reveal about his spiritual state, and how can we guard against similar spiritual decline in our own lives?2. How does the prohibition against necromancy in Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12 apply to modern practices that might be considered similar? 3. In what ways can we seek God's guidance during times of uncertainty, and how can we ensure that our methods align with biblical teachings? 4. Reflect on a time when desperation led to a poor decision. How can we learn from Saul's example to make better choices in the future? 5. How can we identify and cultivate relationships with spiritual mentors who can provide godly counsel and guidance in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:31This verse forbids turning to mediums and spiritists, highlighting Saul's disobedience to God's commands. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 These verses explicitly prohibit necromancy and other forms of divination, emphasizing the seriousness of Saul's actions. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 Samuel's earlier rebuke of Saul for disobedience, which sets the stage for Saul's continued spiritual decline.
People Achish, Amalek, Amalekites, David, Israelites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, En-dor, Gath, Gilboa, Ramah, ShunemTopics Bring, SamuelDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 28:3-15Library So Then we must Confess that the Dead Indeed do not Know what Is...18. So then we must confess that the dead indeed do not know what is doing here, but while it is in doing here: afterwards, however, they hear it from those who from hence go to them at their death; not indeed every thing, but what things those are allowed to make known who are suffered also to remember these things; and which it is meet for those to hear, whom they inform of the same. It may be also, that from the Angels, who are present in the things which are doing here, the dead do hear somewhat, … St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. An Exhortation to Love God There is a Blessedness in Reversion The Covenant of Grace Samuel Links 1 Samuel 28:11 NIV1 Samuel 28:11 NLT 1 Samuel 28:11 ESV 1 Samuel 28:11 NASB 1 Samuel 28:11 KJV 1 Samuel 28:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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