1 Samuel 28:19

KJV

Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow [shalt] thou and thy sons [be] with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the LORD {H3068} will also deliver {H5414} Israel {H3478} with thee into the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430}: and to morrow {H4279} shalt thou and thy sons {H1121} be with me: the LORD {H3068} also shall deliver {H5414} the host {H4264} of Israel {H3478} into the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is giving Isra'el as well as yourself over into the power of the P'lishtim, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. ADONAI will hand over Isra'el's army to the power of the P'lishtim."

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”

American Standard Version

Moreover Jehovah will deliver Israel also with thee into the hand of the Philistines; and to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: Jehovah will deliver the host of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 28:19 delivers a chilling and definitive prophecy from the spirit of Samuel to King Saul, foretelling the immediate and devastating defeat of Israel at the hands of the Philistines, and the certain death of Saul and his sons on the following day. This verse encapsulates the culmination of divine judgment against Saul's persistent disobedience and highlights God's sovereign control over the destiny of nations and individuals, even through unconventional and forbidden means.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic pronouncement within the dramatic and unsettling narrative of 1 Samuel 28. Saul, having been rejected by the LORD and abandoned by divine communication (through dreams, Urim, or prophets, as noted in [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul")), desperately seeks guidance before an impending battle with the Philistines. In direct defiance of God's law prohibiting divination ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition of Divination")), Saul disguises himself and consults a medium at Endor ([1 Samuel 28:7](/1_samuel/28-7 "1 Samuel 28:7 - Saul Seeks the Medium of Endor")). The medium, to her own astonishment, witnesses the appearance of Samuel's spirit, who then delivers this grim prophecy. The immediate fulfillment of this prophecy is recounted in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul"), where Saul and his sons indeed die in the Battle of Gilboa.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period leading up to this event is marked by intense conflict between Israel and the Philistines, a dominant military power. Saul's reign, though initially promising, was plagued by his disobedience and spiritual decline, culminating in his rejection by God as king ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Samuel Rebukes Saul")). The Philistine army had gathered at Shunem, while Israel camped at Gilboa ([1 Samuel 28:4](/1_samuel/28-4 "1 Samuel 28:4 - Armies Gather for Battle")). Saul's consultation with a medium was a grave offense, punishable by death under Mosaic Law, reflecting the LORD's absolute prohibition against practices that sought to bypass or manipulate divine revelation. The concept of "being with me" refers to the common Old Testament understanding of Sheol, the realm of the dead, where all departed souls were believed to go, regardless of their moral standing.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 28:19 powerfully underscores several profound themes. First, it highlights the **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that God's rejection of Saul was not merely a withdrawal of favor but an active judgment that would culminate in his demise and Israel's defeat. Second, it emphasizes the **Sovereignty of God** over all events, even military outcomes, reinforcing that ultimate victory or defeat rests in His hands, not solely on human strength or strategy, as seen in [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Lord's Role in Battle"). Third, the verse demonstrates the **Certainty of Prophecy**, as Samuel's words are fulfilled precisely and swiftly, confirming the veracity of divine pronouncements, regardless of the means of their delivery. Finally, it marks the **End of an Era**, signaling the definitive close of Saul's kingship and paving the way for the establishment of David's dynasty, a pivotal transition in Israel's history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver (Hebrew, נָתַן, _natan_):** This verb, meaning "to give," "to place," or "to deliver," is crucial here. Its repeated use emphasizes that the Philistine victory is not merely a military outcome but a direct act of divine judgment and agency. It signifies that God Himself is actively handing over Saul and Israel to their enemies, underscoring His sovereignty and the severity of Saul's sin.
* **tomorrow (Hebrew, מָחָר, _machar_):** The inclusion of "tomorrow" provides an immediate and terrifying temporal specificity to the prophecy. It removes any doubt about the timing of the impending doom, highlighting the swift and inescapable nature of the judgment. This word intensifies the sense of urgency and hopelessness for Saul.
* **with me (Hebrew, עִמִּי, _'immi_):** This phrase, literally "with me," serves as a stark euphemism for death. In the context of Samuel, who is already deceased, it means that Saul and his sons will join Samuel in Sheol, the common grave or realm of the dead. It signifies their impending demise and shared fate in the afterlife, emphasizing the finality of their earthly existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines:"** This opening clause establishes the divine agency behind the impending catastrophe. It is not simply a military defeat but a judgment orchestrated by the LORD. The phrase "with thee" links Saul's personal fate directly to the national calamity, indicating that his sin has brought judgment not only upon himself but also upon the entire nation of Israel.
* **"and to morrow [shalt] thou and thy sons [be] with me:"** This is the most personal and chilling part of the prophecy. "Tomorrow" underscores the immediacy of the judgment. The inclusion of "thy sons" highlights the dynastic consequences of Saul's rebellion—his lineage will not continue on the throne. "Be with me" is a euphemism for death, meaning Saul and his sons will join Samuel in the realm of the dead, confirming their imminent demise.
* **"the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines."** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the first, emphasizing the totality of the defeat. The "host of Israel" refers to the entire army, confirming that the national military power will be utterly broken. The repetition of "the LORD also shall deliver" underscores God's absolute sovereignty and active role in bringing about this judgment, leaving no room for doubt about the source of the impending disaster.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is paramount, as Samuel's prophecy explicitly details the grim outcome of the battle, creating a sense of inevitability and dread that hangs over the subsequent narrative of Saul's final days. There is profound **Irony** in Saul's desperate attempt to seek divine guidance through forbidden means, only to receive a message of utter condemnation and doom from the very prophet he had previously disobeyed. The phrase "be with me" functions as a clear **Euphemism** for death, softening the direct mention of demise while still conveying its absolute certainty. Finally, the **Repetition** of "the LORD will also deliver... into the hand of the Philistines" serves to emphasize the divine origin and certainty of the judgment, hammering home the message of God's sovereign control over the events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 28:19 serves as a stark theological commentary on the consequences of rebellion against God's revealed will and the unyielding nature of divine judgment. It demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty, not only in granting kingship but also in removing it, and in determining the outcome of battles and the fate of nations. Even when humans resort to forbidden practices, God remains in control, capable of using any means, even a medium, to declare His immutable decrees. This passage underscores that true security and guidance come only from faithful obedience to God and seeking Him through His appointed means, rather than through desperate and illicit measures born of fear and unbelief. It is a powerful reminder that God's word, once spoken, will not return void.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition of Divination")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Lord's Role in Battle")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling prophecy of 1 Samuel 28:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Saul's tragic end is a powerful cautionary tale, reminding us that persistent disobedience to God's commands carries severe consequences, not only for individuals but potentially for those connected to them. It highlights the critical importance of seeking God's will through His legitimate and righteous channels—prayer, His Word, and the counsel of godly leaders—rather than resorting to desperate or forbidden means when faced with overwhelming challenges or spiritual silence. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire or when His answers are not what we desire. Our ultimate hope and safety lie in faithful submission to His perfect will, understanding that His ways are always just, even when they involve difficult truths or judgments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's desperation and his turning to a medium challenge or affirm your understanding of seeking God's will?**
* **What are contemporary "forbidden means" that people might resort to when they feel God is silent or when they face overwhelming fear?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to bypass God's established ways for quicker or seemingly easier solutions?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Saul encourage or challenge your own walk of obedience and trust in His sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Was it truly Samuel who appeared to Saul, or was it a demonic entity or an impostor?**

Answer: This question has been debated among scholars for centuries. The text itself states, "Then said Samuel, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?" ([1 Samuel 28:15](/1_samuel/28-15 "1 Samuel 28:15 - Samuel's Question to Saul")). The medium also "saw Samuel" ([1 Samuel 28:12](/1_samuel/28-12 "1 Samuel 28:12 - The Medium Sees Samuel")). The most compelling argument for it being Samuel is that the prophecy delivered was entirely accurate and came to pass precisely as foretold, including the specific timing ("tomorrow") and the details of Saul's and his sons' deaths and Israel's defeat, which aligns with God's character as the source of truth. While God had forbidden consulting mediums, He is sovereign and can choose to override human prohibitions or use unexpected means to communicate His will, especially in judgment. Some argue it was a demonic deception, but such an entity would not be expected to deliver a divine judgment so accurately and in line with God's previous pronouncements through Samuel. Therefore, many conservative scholars conclude that, by God's sovereign allowance, the spirit of Samuel was indeed permitted to appear and deliver this final, devastating word to Saul.

**Why would God allow Samuel to appear through a forbidden act of divination?**

Answer: While God strictly prohibited divination and consulting mediums ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition of Divination")), this incident demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to achieve His purposes even through human sin and rebellion. God had already rejected Saul and ceased to communicate with him through legitimate means ([1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul")). The appearance of Samuel, whether by God's direct command or sovereign permission, served as a final, undeniable confirmation of God's judgment upon Saul. It underscores that God's will cannot be thwarted, and His word will be fulfilled. It was not an endorsement of Saul's sin, but rather a powerful demonstration of God's justice and control over all events, even those that violate His commands.

**What is the significance of the phrase "to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me"?**

Answer: This phrase is a euphemism for death and a reference to Sheol, the common Old Testament understanding of the realm of the dead. It signifies that Saul and his sons would die the very next day and join Samuel in the afterlife. In the Old Testament, Sheol was not typically understood as a place of conscious torment or blessing, but rather a shadowy existence where all departed souls went. The significance here is twofold: first, it confirms the absolute certainty and immediacy of their deaths; and second, it highlights the personal and familial nature of the judgment against Saul, extending to his sons and ensuring the end of his dynastic line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The grim prophecy of 1 Samuel 28:19, sealing Saul's fate and the defeat of Israel due to disobedience, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Saul's kingship, marked by rebellion and ending in judgment and death, stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. While Saul was "delivered... into the hand of the Philistines" as a consequence of his sin, Jesus, the true King, willingly "delivered himself up for us all" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Delivers His Son")) as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Saul's death meant the end of his earthly reign and a descent into Sheol, but Christ's death was a triumphant victory over sin and death itself, leading to His glorious resurrection and ascension, where He now reigns eternally at the right hand of God ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Exaltation")). The promise of Saul and his sons "being with me" (in death) is transformed for believers in Christ into the glorious hope of "being with Him" (in eternal life), as Jesus promised, "where I am, there you may be also" ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises Return")). Thus, the judgment and death pronounced upon Saul foreshadow the wages of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), while Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death offer the free gift of eternal life to all who believe, conquering the power of death and ushering in a new, everlasting kingdom founded on grace and truth ([Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Christ's Obedience and Salvation")).

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.