"What does he look like?" asked Saul. "An old man is coming up," she replied. "And he is wearing a robe." So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence. “What does he look like?” asked Saul.Saul sought certainty from the medium because the Lord had not answered him through prophets, dreams, or the Urim. His desperate question reveals how far he had fallen from the obedience God required. Rather than humbling himself before the Lord, Saul turned to a practice he had once removed from Israel and that God had forbidden (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10–12). 2Ki 1:7-8 The king asked them, “What sort of man came up to meet you… “An old man is coming up,” she replied. The medium described Samuel as emerging from the realm of the dead, consistent with Israel’s understanding that the departed went down to Sheol. Samuel’s appearance was not a source of guidance available to human manipulation; God permitted this encounter to confirm the judgment already declared against Saul. 1Ki 1:1 Now King David was old and well along in years,… “And he is wearing a robe.” Samuel’s robe identified him as the prophet who had anointed Saul and later announced that the kingdom would be torn from him. Saul had seized Samuel’s robe at Gilgal, and its tearing became a sign that the Lord had torn the kingdom from Saul’s hand (1 Samuel 15:27–28). The same garment now confronted Saul with the authority of God’s unchanging word. 2Ki 2:13 Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen… So Saul knew that it was Samuel, Saul recognized the prophet whose counsel he had repeatedly resisted during Samuel’s lifetime. He had rejected Samuel’s rebukes, spared what God commanded him to destroy, and pursued David despite knowing that the Lord had chosen him. The appearance of Samuel gave Saul no new path of escape, but confirmed that God’s judgment would stand. 1Sa 15:27 As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem… and he bowed facedown in reverence. Saul assumed the posture of one submitting before a superior, yet his outward reverence could not undo years of rebellion. He sought Samuel only after refusing to seek the Lord in repentance. The scene exposes the tragedy of a king who desired divine direction while rejecting the God who gave it. Jos 5:14 “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander…”… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance in desperation as he faces the Philistine army. 2. Samuel The prophet who anointed Saul as king, now deceased, whom Saul seeks to consult through a medium. 3. Medium at Endor A woman who practices necromancy, whom Saul visits to summon the spirit of Samuel. 4. Endor A location in ancient Israel where Saul visits the medium, despite having previously banned such practices. 5. Philistine Army The opposing force that Saul is preparing to battle, causing him great fear and anxiety. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's actions are a direct result of his earlier disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder that disobedience can lead to spiritual desperation and poor decision-making. The Dangers of Seeking Guidance Outside of God Saul's choice to consult a medium highlights the dangers of seeking guidance from sources other than God. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer and Scripture. The Importance of Spiritual Discernment Saul's inability to discern God's will leads him to make unwise choices. Christians are called to develop spiritual discernment through a close relationship with God. The Role of Fear in Decision-Making Fear drives Saul to act against his own decrees and God's commands. Believers should be cautious of allowing fear to dictate their actions, instead trusting in God's sovereignty. Reverence for God’s Prophets and Word Saul's reverence for Samuel, even in death, underscores the importance of respecting God's messengers and their teachings, which are now found in Scripture. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Saul's decision to consult a medium reveal about his spiritual state and relationship with God?2. How can we ensure that we seek guidance from God rather than turning to worldly or forbidden sources? 3. In what ways can fear influence our decision-making, and how can we combat this with faith? 4. How does Saul's reverence for Samuel, even after death, challenge us to respect and adhere to biblical teachings? 5. Reflect on a time when disobedience led to negative consequences in your life. How can you learn from Saul's account to make better choices in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 18:10-12This passage condemns practices like necromancy, which Saul engages in by consulting the medium. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 Highlights Saul's disobedience to God, which led to his rejection as king, setting the stage for his desperate actions in 1 Samuel 28. Isaiah 8:19-20 Warns against seeking mediums and spiritists, emphasizing reliance on God’s word instead. Hebrews 9:27 Speaks to the finality of death and judgment, contrasting with Saul's attempt to communicate with the dead.
People Achish, Amalek, Amalekites, David, Israelites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, En-dor, Gath, Gilboa, Ramah, ShunemTopics Aged, Appearance, Bent, Bowed, Boweth, Covered, Face, Form, Ground, Homage, Honour, Knoweth, Mantle, Obeisance, Perceived, Prostrated, Robe, Samuel, Saul, Stooped, Upper, WrappedDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 28:14Library 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 28:14 NIV1 Samuel 28:14 NLT 1 Samuel 28:14 ESV 1 Samuel 28:14 NASB 1 Samuel 28:14 KJV 1 Samuel 28:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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