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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 28:7–14. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. Saul seeks for a witch, Sa1 28:7. When God answered him not, if he had humbled himself by repentance and persevered in seeking God, who knows but that at length he might have been entreated for him? but, since he can discern no comfort either from heaven or earth (Isa 8:21, Isa 8:22), he resolves to knock at the gates of hell, and to see if any there will befriend him and give him advice: Seek me a woman that has a familiar spirit, Sa1 28:7. And his servants were too officious to serve him in this evil affair; they presently recommended one to him at Endor (a city not far off) who had escaped the execution of Saul's edict. To her he resolves to apply. Herein he is chargeable, 1. With contempt of the God of Israel; as if any creature could do him a kindness when God had left him and frowned upon him. 2. With contradiction to himself. He knew the heinousness of the sin of witchcraft, else he would not have cut off those that had familiar spirits; yet now he had recourse to that as an oracle which he had before condemned as an abomination. It is common for men to inveigh severely against those sins which they are in no temptation to, but afterwards to be themselves overcome by them. Had one told Saul, when he was destroying the witches, that he himself would, ere long, consult with one, he would have said, as Hazael did, What? Is thy servant a dog? But who knows what mischiefs those will run into that forsake God and are forsaken of him?
II.Hearing of one he hastens to her, but goes by night, and in disguise, only with two servants, and probably on foot, Sa1 28:8. See how those that are led captive by Satan are forced,
1.To disparage themselves. Never did Saul look so mean as when he went sneaking to a sorry witch to know his fortune.
2.To dissemble. Evil works are works of darkness, and they hate the light, neither care for coming to it. Saul went to the witch, not in his robes, but in the habit of a common soldier, not only lest the witch herself, if she had known him, should decline to serve him, either fearing he came to trepan her or resolving to be avenged on him for his edict against those of her profession, but lest his own people should know it and abhor him for it. Such is the power of natural conscience that even those who do evil blush and are ashamed to do it.
III.He tells her his errand and promises her impunity.
1.All he desires of her is to bring up one from the dead, whom he had a mind to discourse with. It was necromancy or divination by the dead, that he hoped to serve his purpose by. This was expressly forbidden by the law (Deu 18:11), seeking for the living to the dead, Isa 8:19. Bring me up him whom I shall name, Sa1 28:8. This supposes that it was generally taken for granted that souls exist after death, and that when men die there is not an end of them: it supposes too that great knowledge was attributed to separate souls. But to think that any good souls would come up at the beck of an evil spirit, or that God, who had denied a man the benefit of his own institutions, would suffer him to reap any real advantage by a cursed diabolical invention, was very absurd.
2.She signifies her fear of the law, and her suspicion that this stranger came to draw her into a snare (Sa1 28:9): Thou knowest what Saul has done. Providence ordered it so that Saul should be told to his face of his edict against witches, at this very time when he was consulting one, for the greater aggravation of his sin. She insists upon the peril of the law, perhaps to raise her price; for, though no mention is made of her fee, no doubt she demanded and had a large one. Observe how sensible she is of danger from the edict of Saul, and what care she is in to guard against it; but not at all apprehensive of the obligations off God's law and the terrors of his wrath. She considered what Saul had done, not what God had done, against such practices, and feared a snare laid for her life more than a snare laid for her soul. It is common for sinners to be more afraid of punishment from men than of God's righteous judgment. But,
3.Saul promises with an oath not to betray her, Sa1 28:10. It was his duty as a king to punish her and he knew it, yet he swears no to do it; as if he could by his own oath bind himself from doing that which, by the divine command, he was bound to do. But he promised more than he could perform when he said, There shall no punishment happen to thee; for he that could not secure himself could much less secure her from divine vengeance.
IV.Samuel, who was lately dead, is the person whom Saul desired to have some talk with; and the witch, with her enchantments, gratifies his desire, and brings them together.
1.As soon as Saul had given the witch the assurance she desired (that he would not discover her) she applied to her witchcrafts, and asked very confidently, Whom shall I bring up to thee? Sa1 28:11. Note, Hopes of impunity embolden sinners in their evil ways and harden their hearts.
2.Saul desires to speak with Samuel: Bring me up Samuel. Samuel had anointed him to the kingdom and had formerly been his faithful friend and counsellor, and therefore with him he wished to advise. While Samuel was living at Ramah, not far from Gibeah of Saul, and presided there in the school of the prophets, we never read of Saul's going to him to consult him in any of the difficulties he was in (it would have been well for him if he had); then he slighted him, and perhaps hated him, looking upon him to be in David's interest. But now that he is dead, "O for Samuel again! By all means, bring me up Samuel." Note, Many that despise and persecute God's saints and ministers when they are living would be glad to have them again when they are gone. Send Lazarus to me, and send Lazarus to my father's house, Luk 16:24-27. The sepulchres of the righteous are garnished.
3.Here is a seeming defector chasm in the story. Saul said, Bring me up Samuel, and the very next words are, When the woman saw Samuel, (Sa1 28:12), whereas one would have expected to be told how she performed the operation, what spells and charms she used, or that some little intimation would be given of what she said or did; but the profound silence of the scripture concerning it forbids our coveting to know the depths of Satan (Rev 2:24) or to have our curiosity gratified with an account of the mysteries of iniquity. It has been said of the books of some of the popish confessors that, by their descriptions of sin, they have taught men to commit it; but the scripture conceals sinful art, that we may be simple concerning evil, Rom 16:19.
4.The witch, upon sight of the apparition, was aware that her client was Saul, her familiar spirit, it is likely, informing her of it (Sa1 28:12): "Why hast thou deceived me with a disguise; for thou art Saul, the very man that I am afraid of above any man?" Thus she gave Saul to understand the power of her art, in that she could discover him through his disguise; and yet she feared lest, hereafter, at least, he should take advantage against her for what she was now doing. Had she believed that it was really Samuel whom she saw, she would have had more reason to be afraid of him, who was a good prophet, than of Saul, who was a wicked king. But the wrath of earthly princes is feared by most more than the wrath of the King of kings.
5.Saul (who, we may suppose, was kept at a distance in the next room) bade her not to be afraid of him, but go on with the operation, and enquired what she saw? Sa1 28:13. O, says the woman, I saw gods (that is, a spirit) ascending out of the earth; they called angels gods, because spiritual beings. Poor gods that ascend out of the earth! But she speaks the language of the heathen, who had their infernal deities and had them in veneration. If Saul had thought it necessary to his conversation with Samuel that the body of Samuel should be called out of the grave, he would have taken the witch with him to Ramah, where his sepulchre was; but the design was wholly upon his soul, which yet, if it became visible, was expected to appear in the usual resemblance of the body; and God permitted the devil, to answer the design, to put on Samuel's shape, that those who would not receive the love of the truth might be given up to strong delusions and believe a lie. That it could not be the soul of Samuel himself they might easily apprehend when it ascended out of the earth, for the spirit of a man, much more of a good man, goes upward, Ecc 3:21. But, if people will be deceived, it is just with God to say, "Let them be deceived." That the devil, by the divine permission, should be able to personate Samuel is not strange, since he can transform himself into an angel of light! nor is it strange that he should be permitted to do it upon this occasion, that Saul might be driven to despair, by enquiring of the devil, since he would not, in a right manner, enquire of the Lord, by which he might have had comfort. Saul, being told of gods ascending, was eager to know what was the form of this deity, and in what shape he appeared, so far was he from conceiving any horror at it, his heart being wretchedly hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Saul, it seems, was not permitted to see any manner of similitude himself, but he must take the woman's word for it, that she saw an old man covered with a mantle, or robe, the habit of a judge, which Samuel had sometimes worn, and some think it was for the sake of that, and the majesty of its aspect, that she called this apparition Elohim, a god or gods; for so magistrates are styled, Psa 82:1.
6.Saul, perceiving, by the woman's description, that it was Samuel, stooped with his face to the ground, either, as it is generally taken, in reverence to Samuel, though he saw him not, or perhaps to listen to that soft and muttering voice which he now expected to hear (for those that had familiar spirits peeped and muttered, Isa 8:19); and it should seem Saul bowed himself (probably by the witch's direction) that he might hear what was whispered and listen carefully to it; for the voice of one that has a familiar spirit is said to come out of the ground, and whisper out of the dust, Isa 29:4. He would stoop to that who would not stoop to the word of God.
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Summary
1 Samuel 28:12 marks the terrifying and profoundly revelatory climax of King Saul's desperate consultation with the medium of En-dor. The verse captures the medium's dual shock: the unexpected, potent appearance of the prophet Samuel, and her instantaneous realization that her disguised client is none other than the very monarch who had outlawed her profession. Her immediate, loud cry and accusation expose Saul's profound deception and underscore the spiritual gravity of the encounter, revealing the hand of divine intervention even in a forbidden act.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated at the dramatic turning point of 1 Samuel 28, a narrative steeped in desperation and divine judgment. Prior to this, King Saul, facing an overwhelming Philistine army at Shunem, has been utterly abandoned by the Lord, receiving no guidance through traditional means like dreams, Urim, or prophets, as explicitly stated in 1 Samuel 28:6. In a profoundly ironic and forbidden act, given his earlier purge of mediums and spiritists from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), Saul disguises himself and seeks out a medium in En-dor. The woman's initial reluctance and fear are overcome by Saul's oath of protection. The immediate verses following this one describe Samuel's actual appearance and his subsequent, devastating prophecy of Saul's imminent death and the transfer of the kingdom to David (1 Samuel 28:16-19). Thus, verse 12 serves as the pivotal moment where the forbidden consultation yields a terrifying, divinely orchestrated revelation, setting the stage for Saul's final, tragic downfall.
Historical & Cultural Context
The practice of necromancy and consulting mediums was unequivocally forbidden under Mosaic Law, explicitly condemned as an abomination to the Lord and punishable by death (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). King Saul himself, early in his reign, had demonstrated zeal by purging such practitioners from Israel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 28:3. This historical backdrop highlights the depth of Saul's spiritual decline and desperation; he transgresses his own edicts and God's clear commands. The Philistine threat was existential for Israel, and kings typically sought divine counsel before battle. Saul's inability to receive such counsel, coupled with the cultural understanding that divine silence often indicated judgment, pushed him to extreme, illicit measures. The medium's fear upon recognizing Saul was well-founded, as her profession was punishable by death, underscoring the immediate and profound danger she perceived for her life.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, demonstrating that even in Saul's act of blatant disobedience, God's will prevails. The appearance of Samuel, whether a true spirit or a divinely permitted apparition, serves as an instrument for God to deliver His final, damning word to Saul, confirming his impending doom (1 Samuel 28:19). Secondly, the verse highlights the Consequences of Disobedience. Saul's persistent rebellion against God's commands, particularly his failure to fully obey God's command regarding the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:23), led directly to God's withdrawal of favor and ultimately to Saul's desperate and forbidden actions. Thirdly, the medium's "loud cry" and immediate recognition of Saul emphasize the theme of Exposure and Fear, suggesting that the supernatural nature of Samuel's appearance was so overwhelming that it unveiled the truth of Saul's hidden identity, leading to her terror for her life. Finally, it exemplifies the Futility of Forbidden Counsel, as Saul's desperate attempt to gain insight through illicit means yielded only confirmation of his defeat and death, rather than hope or victory.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (זָעַק, H2199) denotes a cry of distress, pain, urgent appeal, or alarm. It is often used in contexts of intense emotional outpouring, particularly fear or anguish. Here, it emphasizes the medium's profound and immediate terror, not merely surprise, at the simultaneous revelation of Samuel's appearance and Saul's identity. It signifies a visceral, involuntary reaction to an overwhelming and terrifying supernatural event, combined with the sudden realization of extreme personal danger.
This adjective (גָּדֹול, H1419) means "great" in various senses, including magnitude, intensity, or importance. When used with "voice" (קֹול, H6963), it signifies a powerful, resounding sound. In this context, "loud voice" underscores the intensity of the medium's cry, indicating a profound and unrestrained expression of shock and fear that could not be suppressed. It highlights the extraordinary nature of the event that provoked such an outcry.
The verb (רָמָה, H7411) means to hurl, shoot, or figuratively, to delude or betray. The medium's accusation, "Why hast thou deceived me?", highlights Saul's deliberate attempt to conceal his identity and thus his transgression. Her use of this word underscores the breach of trust and the grave danger she now perceives herself to be in, having unwittingly engaged in a forbidden act with the very king who enforced the prohibition.
Verse Breakdown
"And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice"
This clause describes the medium's immediate, visceral reaction to the apparition. The sight of Samuel, a figure of immense spiritual authority and prophetic power, was clearly not what she anticipated or typically conjured. Her "loud voice" indicates profound shock, terror, and perhaps even a recognition that this was no ordinary spirit, but a divinely orchestrated appearance beyond her control or understanding. It suggests a moment of overwhelming supernatural encounter that transcends her usual abilities.
"and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me?"
Immediately following her cry, the medium turns her accusation towards Saul. This swift transition implies that the sight of Samuel somehow triggered or confirmed her recognition of Saul's true identity, perhaps through divine revelation or the sheer spiritual weight of the moment. Her question is not merely rhetorical but expresses betrayal and profound fear for her life, as she has been tricked into a capital offense by the very authority figure responsible for upholding the law.
"for thou [art] Saul"
This concluding declaration confirms her recognition of the king. It is a stark, direct unveiling of Saul's disguise and his desperate, forbidden act. The simplicity of the statement carries immense weight, sealing Saul's exposure and setting the stage for Samuel's devastating prophecy. It marks the complete failure of Saul's attempt at concealment and the undeniable hand of divine intervention in revealing his transgression.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that heighten its dramatic impact. Irony is profoundly prominent, as Saul, the king who earlier purged mediums from the land, now desperately seeks one out, only to be exposed by the very person he sought to deceive. This also creates Dramatic Irony, where the audience is aware of Saul's identity from the outset, but the medium remains ignorant until this climactic moment of revelation. The medium's "cried with a loud voice" serves as Hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme nature of her terror and astonishment, suggesting a reaction beyond mere surprise to an overwhelming supernatural reality. The abrupt shift from her terrified cry to her direct accusation, "Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul," creates a powerful sense of Climax and Anagnorisis (recognition), where the hidden truth is suddenly and forcefully revealed, driving the narrative towards its tragic resolution. The entire scene is imbued with Foreshadowing, as the terrifying revelation of Samuel and Saul's exposure portend the imminent doom and divine judgment that will be pronounced in the subsequent verses.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This pivotal verse underscores profound theological truths about God's unwavering sovereignty and the severe consequences of rebellion against His commands. Even when individuals, like Saul, resort to forbidden means in desperation, God remains sovereign, capable of orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes and deliver His judgment. The medium's terror and the immediate recognition of Saul's identity suggest a divine unveiling, a moment where the spiritual realm intersects with the physical to expose sin and pronounce destiny. It serves as a stark reminder that attempts to circumvent God's will or seek counsel outside His revealed word ultimately lead to deeper peril and the confirmation of divine judgment, rather than escape. God's silence is not His absence, but often a form of judgment, and seeking illicit counsel only compounds the offense, demonstrating a lack of trust in His wisdom and timing.
Reflection and Application
The dramatic encounter in 1 Samuel 28:12 offers a sobering and timeless lesson for believers today. When faced with overwhelming challenges, feelings of abandonment, or perceived divine silence, it can be profoundly tempting to seek answers or comfort from sources outside of God's revealed will. Saul's desperate act, driven by fear and a profound lack of divine guidance, serves as a powerful cautionary tale against spiritual shortcuts, forbidden practices, and attempts to manipulate the spiritual realm. This narrative calls us to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in God's absolute sovereignty, even when His ways are unclear, His answers are not what we desire, or His presence feels distant. It reminds us that true wisdom, lasting peace, and genuine guidance are found not in illicit divination or human contrivance, but in patient waiting on the Lord, diligent study of His authoritative Word, fervent and persistent prayer, and seeking counsel from godly sources. Our faithful response to perceived divine silence should be sincere repentance and renewed, humble obedience, rather than a desperate turn to the very things God abhors.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was the appearance of Samuel a genuine spiritual manifestation or a demonic deception?
This is a long-debated question among biblical scholars. While the text explicitly states "the woman saw Samuel" and Samuel delivers a genuine prophecy that comes true, interpretations vary. Some believe it was a true, divinely permitted appearance of Samuel, demonstrating God's sovereignty even over illicit acts to deliver His final word to Saul. This view emphasizes that God can use any means, even a forbidden one, to accomplish His purposes. Others argue it was a demonic impersonation, allowed by God to fulfill His judgment, or that the medium's "seeing" was a trick, but God intervened to speak through it. The text itself does not explicitly clarify the precise nature of the apparition, but its effect—delivering God's judgment and confirming Saul's doom—is undeniable. Regardless of the precise mechanism, the message delivered was God's, confirming Saul's impending defeat and death (1 Samuel 28:18-19).
Why did the medium cry out and immediately recognize Saul?
The medium's "loud cry" suggests profound terror and astonishment, likely stemming from the unexpected and potent nature of Samuel's appearance. It was probably far beyond her typical conjuring abilities, indicating a genuine supernatural event that overwhelmed her. Her immediate recognition of Saul, despite his disguise, is often understood as a simultaneous divine revelation. The sheer spiritual gravity and power of Samuel's manifestation may have unveiled the truth of Saul's hidden identity, or God may have directly revealed it to her. This recognition caused her to fear for her life, knowing she had just performed a forbidden act for the very king who outlawed her profession and whose previous zeal against mediums was well-known (1 Samuel 28:3).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The tragic narrative of Saul's desperate turn to forbidden counsel, culminating in the terrifying revelation of 1 Samuel 28:12, profoundly highlights humanity's inherent need for divine guidance and the utter futility of seeking it apart from God's ordained ways. In stark contrast to Saul's spiritual darkness and the chilling silence he faced, Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's clear and perfect revelation. He is the true Prophet, greater than Samuel, through whom God has spoken definitively to humanity in these last days (Hebrews 1:1-2). Where Saul sought the dead in vain, Christ is the resurrection and the life, offering true life and hope to all who believe. Unlike the medium's terrifying and condemning message, Christ's message is one of grace, truth, and salvation for all who believe (John 1:14). He is the light that exposes darkness not for condemnation, but for redemption and transformation (John 3:19-21), inviting us to come to Him for rest and wisdom (Matthew 11:28-30). In Christ, we find not a fearful, condemning voice from the grave, but the living Word of God, who offers abundant life and eternal counsel, perfectly aligned with the Father's will and leading us into His glorious presence (John 10:10).