He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. He inquired of the LORD,Saul sought direction as the Philistine army gathered against Israel, yet his inquiry arose from terror rather than repentance. He had repeatedly resisted God’s commands, spared what God had devoted to judgment, and turned against the priests of the LORD. Having rejected the word of God during years of peace, Saul now sought God’s guidance in the hour of crisis. 1Sa 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and… but the LORD did not answer him God’s silence was a righteous judgment upon Saul’s persistent rebellion and fulfilled Samuel’s warning that the kingdom would be taken from him. The LORD had not abandoned His covenant purposes for Israel; He was preparing David, the king after His own heart, to rule in Saul’s place. Saul’s isolation revealed the terrible consequence of refusing God’s revealed will. 1Sa 14:37 So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down… by dreams God had at times used dreams to disclose His purposes, but no such direction came to Saul. The absence of an answer left him without comfort or assurance as he faced the battle he feared. Num 12:6 He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you… or Urim The Urim, entrusted to the high priest, provided a means of seeking the LORD’s counsel in matters affecting Israel. Saul’s loss of access to this guidance was especially grievous after he had ordered the slaughter of the priests at Nob. Abiathar, the surviving priest, had fled to David with the ephod, while Saul stood cut off from priestly counsel. Num 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest… or prophets. Samuel, Saul’s chief prophetic counselor, had died, and the LORD raised no prophet to give Saul the answer he desired. Rather than humbling himself before God, Saul turned to a medium, seeking forbidden spiritual counsel. His course displayed the final ruin of a king who would not submit to the word of the LORD. 1Ki 22:7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance from the Lord but receives no answer. His reign is marked by disobedience and a gradual departure from God's favor. 2. The LORD The God of Israel, who is silent in response to Saul's inquiries due to Saul's previous disobedience and rejection of God's commands. 3. Dreams, Urim, Prophets The traditional means by which God communicated with His people. Dreams were often used by God to reveal His will, the Urim (part of the high priest's breastplate) was used for divination, and prophets were God's messengers. 4. Endor The location Saul visits after this verse, seeking a medium, which further demonstrates his desperation and departure from God's ways. 5. Samuel The prophet who had previously anointed Saul and served as a spiritual guide for Israel. His death left Saul without a direct prophetic voice. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's inability to hear from God is a direct result of his disobedience. This serves as a warning that persistent sin can lead to spiritual silence. The Importance of Seeking God Early Saul's desperation highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent relationship with God, rather than seeking Him only in times of crisis. God's Faithfulness to His Word Despite Saul's failure, God's silence is consistent with His character and His previous warnings. God remains faithful to His word, even when it involves judgment. The Dangers of Desperation Saul's subsequent actions show how desperation can lead to further sin. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and remain faithful, even when answers are delayed. The Role of Prophets and Scripture In the absence of direct revelation, believers today have the completed canon of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to guide them, emphasizing the importance of regular Bible study and prayer. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Saul's experience teach us about the importance of obedience in our relationship with God?2. How can we ensure that we are seeking God consistently, rather than only in times of crisis? 3. In what ways can unconfessed sin affect our communication with God, and how can we address this in our lives? 4. How does the account of Saul illustrate the dangers of seeking guidance outside of God's prescribed means? 5. How can we apply the principles of James 1:5-8 in our daily decision-making and spiritual growth? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15Saul's disobedience in not fully destroying the Amalekites, which led to God's rejection of him as king. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 God's prohibition against seeking mediums and spiritists, which Saul violates after this verse. Psalm 66:18 The principle that unconfessed sin can hinder communication with God. Proverbs 1:28-29 The warning that those who reject wisdom may call on God but not receive an answer. James 1:5-8 Encouragement to ask God for wisdom with faith, contrasting Saul's lack of faith and obedience.
People Achish, Amalek, Amalekites, David, Israelites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, En-dor, Gath, Gilboa, Ramah, ShunemTopics Asketh, Didn't, Directions, Dream, Dreams, Either, Inquired, Prophets, Saul, UrimDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 28:6 1409 dream Library 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 28:6 NIV1 Samuel 28:6 NLT 1 Samuel 28:6 ESV 1 Samuel 28:6 NASB 1 Samuel 28:6 KJV 1 Samuel 28:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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