1 Samuel 28:13

KJV

And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto her, Be not afraid {H3372}: for what sawest {H7200} thou? And the woman {H802} said {H559} unto Saul {H7586}, I saw {H7200} gods {H430} ascending {H5927} out of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king replied, "Don't be afraid. Just tell me what you see."The woman said to Sha'ul, "I see a god-like being coming up out of the earth."

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid,” the king replied. “What do you see?” “I see a god coming up out of the earth,” the woman answered.

American Standard Version

And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what seest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I see a god coming up out of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 28:13, King Saul, in a desperate and disobedient act, consults a medium at Endor to conjure the prophet Samuel. The verse captures the medium's astonished and fearful declaration to Saul, "I saw gods ascending out of the earth," a pivotal moment revealing the terrifying and unexpected nature of the apparition that manifested, confirming the supernatural, albeit illicit, success of the conjuration. This exclamation sets the stage for the dire prophecy Samuel delivers, underscoring the gravity of Saul's spiritual rebellion and the unwavering sovereignty of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical juncture within the larger narrative of 1 Samuel 28, which details Saul's final, desperate attempt to seek divine guidance outside of God's prescribed means. Immediately preceding this, Saul, abandoned by God and facing a formidable Philistine army, disguises himself and seeks out a medium, despite having previously purged such practices from the land. The medium's initial reluctance (1 Samuel 28:9) is overcome by Saul's assurance, leading her to attempt to conjure Samuel. Verse 13 marks the moment of the apparition's appearance, specifically the medium's shocked reaction and description, which precedes Samuel's actual dialogue with Saul ([1 Samuel 28:15-19](/1_samuel/28-15 "1 Samuel 28:15-19 - Samuel's Dialogue with Saul")), confirming Saul's impending doom and the transfer of his kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel's neighbors, frequently engaged in various forms of divination, necromancy, and communication with the dead, believing that spirits of the deceased or other supernatural entities could provide guidance or reveal hidden knowledge. However, Mosaic Law explicitly and repeatedly forbade such practices for Israel, condemning them as "detestable to the Lord" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Forbidden Practices")). Saul's act is a profound violation of this covenant, highlighting the depth of his spiritual decline and desperation in the face of God's silence (as noted in [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul")). His hypocrisy is stark, given his earlier enforcement of the very laws he now violates ([1 Samuel 28:3](/1_samuel/28-3 "1 Samuel 28:3 - Saul's Earlier Actions Against Mediums")).
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of 1 Samuel 28:13 and its surrounding context powerfully illustrates several key themes. **Desperation and Disobedience** are paramount, as Saul's actions represent the culmination of his rebellion against God's clear commands and his tragic descent into seeking answers outside of divine will. This episode serves as a stark warning against **Forbidden Practices**, particularly necromancy and spiritualism, which are anathema to God and lead to severe consequences. Even though a genuine manifestation occurs, the means of summoning it are illicit, underscoring the danger. Finally, the passage highlights **Divine Sovereignty**; despite Saul's sinful method and the dark nature of the conjuration, God remains in control. The subsequent prophecy delivered by Samuel (cf. [1 Samuel 28:19](/1_samuel/28-19 "1 Samuel 28:19 - Samuel's Prophecy to Saul")) confirms God's unchanging word and judgment against Saul, demonstrating that even through unconventional and forbidden channels, God's purposes will prevail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʾĕlōhîm'_):** The Hebrew word אֱלֹהִים (_ʾĕlōhîm_) is a plural noun that most commonly refers to the one true God (e.g., in [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth")). However, it can also denote "gods" (plural), "divine beings," "powerful ones," or even "judges." In this context, the medium's use of the plural likely signifies that she saw a powerful, supernatural entity, possibly awe-inspiring, terrifying, or simply otherworldly in its appearance, which she perceived as divine or belonging to the realm of the spiritual. Her shock indicates that this was not merely a trick but a genuine, albeit supernaturally dark, manifestation that transcended her usual experiences. It suggests an encounter with a powerful spirit, likely Samuel himself, but perceived through the lens of a pagan medium's understanding of "divine" or "otherworldly" beings.
* **ascending (Hebrew, _ʿōlîm'_):** The participle עֹלִים (_ʿōlîm_) means "ascending," "coming up," or "going up." This word choice vividly describes the direction from which the apparition emerged – "out of the earth." It implies a chthonic or underworld origin, consistent with the ancient belief that the spirits of the dead resided in a realm beneath the earth (Sheol). The visual of something "ascending" emphasizes the supernatural nature of the event, suggesting a powerful force at work, breaking through the boundary between the living and the dead, and further contributing to the medium's terror and astonishment.
* **earth (Hebrew, _hāʾāreṣ'_):** The definite noun הָאָרֶץ (_hāʾāreṣ_) refers to "the earth" or "the ground." In this specific context, it signifies the source or origin point of the apparition. Coupled with "ascending," it reinforces the idea that the being emerged from the realm of the dead, commonly understood in ancient Israelite cosmology as Sheol, located beneath the earth. This detail underscores the illicit nature of the medium's practice, as it involves disturbing the dead, a practice strictly forbidden by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto her, Be not afraid:"** This opening clause reveals Saul's initial reaction to the medium's terrified scream. His command, "Be not afraid," suggests he is trying to calm her, but it also implies his own anxiety and desperation. He is eager to know what has happened, indicating his deep investment in the outcome of this forbidden ritual. This phrase sets a tense and fearful tone for the subsequent revelation.
* **"for what sawest thou?"** This direct question from Saul immediately follows his attempt to calm the medium. It highlights his urgent need for information and his desire to understand the nature of the supernatural manifestation. Saul, unable to see the apparition himself, relies on the medium's vision, underscoring his spiritual blindness and dependence on illicit means for divine insight. This question is the prompt for the medium's shocking declaration.
* **"And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth."** This is the climactic statement of the verse, delivered by the medium in a state of profound shock and fear. Her use of "gods" (ʾĕlōhîm) to describe the single figure of Samuel indicates the overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and terrifying nature of the apparition. The phrase "ascending out of the earth" vividly portrays the supernatural origin of the being, implying it emerged from the realm of the dead (Sheol), confirming that a genuine, albeit supernaturally dark and forbidden, conjuration has occurred. This declaration immediately precedes the identification of the figure as Samuel.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its dramatic and theological weight. **Dialogue** is central, driving the narrative forward through the urgent exchange between Saul and the medium, revealing their states of mind and the unfolding supernatural event. The medium's terrified exclamation, "I saw gods ascending out of the earth," serves as a moment of **Anagnorisis** (recognition or discovery), not just for Saul but for the medium herself, who is genuinely surprised by the power of what she has evoked. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Saul, who once purged the land of mediums, now desperately seeks one out, highlighting his profound hypocrisy and spiritual decline. The appearance of Samuel, rising from the earth, is a powerful **Symbolism** of the consequences of Saul's disobedience and God's unwavering judgment, even when delivered through an illicit channel. Furthermore, the medium's description of "gods" introduces a degree of **Ambiguity** or **Mystery** regarding the exact nature of the spiritual realm and the beings within it, emphasizing the awe and dread associated with such forbidden encounters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of 1 Samuel 28:13 profoundly underscores the severe consequences of spiritual disobedience and the dangers of seeking guidance outside of God's revealed will. Saul's desperate turn to necromancy, a practice explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, highlights his complete abandonment of God's covenant and his descent into spiritual apostasy. While the text confirms a genuine supernatural manifestation (Samuel's appearance), it does not endorse the means by which it occurred. Instead, it serves as a stark warning that even if a true message is conveyed, engaging in forbidden practices is an affront to God's holiness and sovereignty. The passage reinforces the principle that God's word and judgment will ultimately prevail, regardless of human attempts to manipulate or circumvent divine authority through illicit means. It challenges believers to trust in God's timing and methods of revelation, even in times of perceived divine silence, rather than resorting to practices condemned by Scripture.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition of Divination and Sorcery")
* [Leviticus 20:6](/leviticus/20-6 "Leviticus 20:6 - Warning Against Turning to Mediums")
* [Isaiah 8:19-20](/isaiah/8-19 "Isaiah 8:19-20 - Seek the Living Among the Dead?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account in 1 Samuel 28:13 serves as a profound spiritual mirror for believers today. Saul's desperation, leading him to violate God's clear commands, is a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking answers from sources other than God's revealed Word and the Holy Spirit. In moments of crisis, when God seems silent or answers are elusive, the temptation can be to grasp at illicit or unbiblical solutions. However, this passage calls us to a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and His perfect timing. It reminds us that true spiritual guidance comes through prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from godly leaders within the community of faith. Saul's tragic end, directly linked to his persistent disobedience and his pursuit of forbidden knowledge, underscores the severe consequences of rejecting God's authority and seeking desperate measures against His will. Our response to perceived divine silence should be repentance, humility, and steadfast reliance on the Lord, knowing that He is faithful even when we do not understand His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek "quick fixes" or unbiblical solutions when facing difficulties or perceived divine silence?**
* **How does Saul's desperation challenge my understanding of patience and trust in God's timing?**
* **What are the "forbidden practices" in contemporary society that might subtly draw believers away from relying solely on God's Word for guidance?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on prayer and Scripture as my primary sources of spiritual direction?**

### FAQ

**Was the apparition truly Samuel, or was it a demonic deception?**
Answer: The biblical text strongly suggests that the apparition was indeed Samuel. The medium's terrified reaction, describing it as "gods ascending out of the earth," indicates a manifestation beyond her control or expectation. Furthermore, the subsequent message delivered by the apparition is consistent with Samuel's prior prophecies to Saul and accurately foretells Saul's death and the transfer of the kingdom (as seen in [1 Samuel 28:17-19](/1_samuel/28-17 "1 Samuel 28:17-19 - Samuel's Prophecy to Saul")). While God strictly forbids necromancy, His sovereignty is absolute, and He can use even forbidden means to accomplish His purposes, as He did here to deliver a final, damning word to Saul. The text does not explicitly identify it as a demonic deception, but rather as Samuel, albeit summoned through illicit means.

**Why did God allow Samuel to appear if He had ceased to answer Saul?**
Answer: God's allowing Samuel to appear, despite His prior silence to Saul through legitimate means (dreams, Urim, prophets, [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul")), serves to underscore the finality and severity of His judgment against Saul. God's silence was a consequence of Saul's persistent disobedience and rebellion. When Saul resorted to forbidden practices, God, in His sovereign control, permitted Samuel to appear not to offer new guidance or a chance for repentance, but to confirm the irreversible consequences of Saul's actions and to pronounce his impending doom. It was a word of judgment, not of grace, demonstrating that God's will would be accomplished regardless of Saul's desperate, sinful attempts to circumvent it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate, illicit act of Saul seeking guidance from a medium in 1 Samuel 28:13 stands in stark contrast to the perfect and ultimate revelation found in Jesus Christ. Saul's turning to "gods ascending out of the earth" highlights humanity's inherent longing for divine connection and guidance, a longing that fallen humanity often seeks to fulfill through forbidden and dangerous means. However, the New Testament proclaims that God has spoken definitively and fully through His Son, Jesus, who is the true and living Word (as declared in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God") and [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Unlike the terrifying and illicit appearance from the earth, Jesus "descended from heaven" ([John 3:13](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - No One Has Ascended to Heaven Except He Who Descended")) and "ascended far above all heavens" ([Ephesians 4:10](/ephesians/4-10 "Ephesians 4:10 - Christ's Ascension")), demonstrating His divine origin and supreme authority over all realms, including death itself. He is not a spirit conjured from the earth, but the Lord of life who conquered death and Sheol (as seen in [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). In Christ, we have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit, and His Word, the Bible, is our authoritative guide, rendering any need for forbidden practices obsolete. He is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, providing all the revelation and mediation we could ever need, inviting us to come boldly to His throne of grace rather than seeking the counsel of the dead ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 4:16

And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

Psalms 82:6

¶ I have said, Ye [are] gods; and all of you [are] children of the most High.

Psalms 82:7

But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

John 10:34

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

John 10:35

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Exodus 22:28

Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.