1 Samuel 28:20

KJV

¶ Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Saul {H7586} fell {H5307} straightway {H4116} all {H4393} along {H6967} on the earth {H776}, and was sore {H3966} afraid {H3372}, because of the words {H1697} of Samuel {H8050}: and there was no strength {H3581} in him; for he had eaten {H398} no bread {H3899} all the day {H3117}, nor all the night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul immediately fell full length on the ground and became terribly frightened because of what Sh'mu'el had said. He had no strength left in him, for he had eaten nothing all that day and night.

Berean Standard Bible

Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground, terrified by the words of Samuel. And his strength was gone, because he had not eaten anything all that day and night.

American Standard Version

Then Saul fell straightway his full length upon the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 28:20 vividly portrays King Saul's immediate and devastating physical and emotional collapse upon hearing the dire prophecy from the spirit of Samuel. Having desperately sought forbidden counsel from a medium after God had ceased to answer him, Saul is confronted with the terrifying reality of God's final judgment: the loss of his kingdom, Israel's defeat, and his own impending death alongside his sons in battle. This verse captures the profound despair, fear, and utter weakness that gripped the king, exacerbated by his prolonged fasting, as the weight of divine abandonment and certain doom settled upon him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of a deeply tragic narrative arc within [1 Samuel 28](/1_samuel/28 "1 Samuel 28 - Saul and the Medium of Endor"). Immediately preceding it, Saul, in his desperation, sought counsel from a medium at Endor, a practice strictly forbidden by God's law (as seen in [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). Despite his earlier efforts to purge such practices from the land, Saul's spiritual abandonment by God (who no longer answered him through dreams, Urim, or prophets, [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul")) drove him to this illicit act. The spirit of Samuel, unexpectedly appearing, delivered a crushing prophecy detailing Saul's imminent defeat and death, along with that of his sons and the Israelite army ([1 Samuel 28:19](/1_samuel/28-19 "1 Samuel 28:19 - Samuel's Prophecy of Doom")). Verse 20 describes Saul's visceral, immediate reaction to this pronouncement, marking the final, irreversible descent of the first king of Israel. It sets the stage for the tragic events of [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul and His Sons").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the eve of a decisive battle against the Philistines, Israel's formidable and long-standing enemies. The Philistines had superior military technology and organization, posing an existential threat to Israel's nascent kingdom. Saul's reign had been characterized by ongoing conflict with them, but his disobedience had led to God's withdrawal of support, leaving him vulnerable. Culturally, the consultation of mediums and necromancy, though condemned by the Mosaic Law, was a common practice in the ancient Near East, reflecting attempts to gain secret knowledge or manipulate spiritual forces. For an Israelite king to resort to such a practice underscored the depth of his despair and his complete departure from reliance on Yahweh. Furthermore, the physical act of falling prostrate on the ground was a common expression of profound submission, fear, or overwhelming grief in the ancient world, often indicating a complete loss of control or resignation to fate. Saul's extended fasting, mentioned in the latter part of the verse, was a common practice in times of great distress or mourning, further contributing to his physical debilitation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes present throughout the books of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of persistent disobedience and rebellion against God's explicit commands**. Saul's initial rejection of God's word ([1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice") and [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding the Amalekites")) led to God's withdrawal of His Spirit and ultimately, the tearing away of the kingdom from him ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is Like the Sin of Divination")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **terrifying reality of divine judgment**. The prophecy delivered by Samuel's spirit is not merely a prediction but a pronouncement of God's just wrath, leading to profound fear and despair. Thirdly, the verse illustrates the **interconnectedness of physical and spiritual well-being**, as Saul's physical weakness amplifies his spiritual and emotional collapse. Finally, it serves as a stark reminder of **God's sovereignty over kings and kingdoms**, demonstrating that even a king chosen by God can be utterly cast down when he rejects the divine will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fell straightway all along (Hebrew, _vayyippol al-artza melo qomato'_):** This phrase literally means "and he fell upon the earth the fullness of his height" or "full length." It emphasizes the suddenness, completeness, and totality of Saul's collapse. It was not a controlled descent but a complete prostration, indicative of utter physical and emotional surrender. This dramatic fall signifies a profound loss of power, dignity, and hope, mirroring the spiritual collapse he had already experienced.
* **Sore afraid (Hebrew, _yare' me'od'_):** The verb _yare'_ means "to fear," but the intensifying adverb _me'od_ ("very much," "exceedingly," "greatly") indicates an extreme, profound terror. This was not mere apprehension but an overwhelming, existential dread that paralyzed him. It was a fear born of the realization that God's judgment was sealed and imminent, leaving no room for hope or escape.
* **No strength (Hebrew, _koach lo'_):** The noun _koach_ refers to strength, power, or ability. The phrase "no strength in him" signifies a complete physical and mental debilitation. While directly linked to his lack of food, it also serves as a powerful metaphor for his spiritual powerlessness and the complete withdrawal of God's sustaining hand from his life and reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth":** This clause describes the immediate and dramatic physical reaction of King Saul. The Hebrew conveys a sense of a sudden, uncontrolled, and complete prostration, falling flat on his face or back. This physical collapse is a powerful visual representation of his utter defeat and the shattering of his spirit. It signifies not just a loss of physical balance but a complete surrender to the overwhelming weight of the prophecy he had just heard.
* **"and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel":** This part identifies the primary cause of Saul's collapse: the terrifying message delivered by Samuel's spirit. The fear described is not ordinary anxiety but an intense, profound terror, a visceral reaction to the pronouncement of divine judgment and impending doom. It highlights the direct, devastating impact of God's unalterable word, even when delivered through unconventional means. Saul's fear is rooted in the realization that his fate is sealed, and there is no escape.
* **"and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.":** This final clause provides both a physical explanation and a symbolic layer to Saul's weakness. His prolonged fasting, likely due to the intense stress and anxiety leading up to the battle and his desperate consultation, had left him physically depleted. This physical exhaustion exacerbated his mental and emotional breakdown. Symbolically, his lack of physical strength mirrors his spiritual weakness and the complete withdrawal of God's sustaining power from his life, leaving him utterly vulnerable and without recourse.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of Saul's despair. **Hyperbole** is evident in "fell straightway all along on the earth" and "no strength in him," emphasizing the absolute and total nature of his collapse, beyond mere physical weakness. This extreme description underscores the overwhelming impact of Samuel's words. **Symbolism** is profoundly at play, as Saul's physical prostration and lack of strength symbolize his spiritual defeat, the crumbling of his kingdom, and his complete abandonment by God. His physical state mirrors his internal, spiritual reality. The verse also utilizes **pathos**, evoking a sense of pity or sadness for Saul, despite his disobedience, as he faces the horrifying consequences of his choices. Furthermore, the entire scene acts as **foreshadowing**, directly predicting and setting the stage for the tragic events of the next day, when Saul and his sons would indeed die in battle, fulfilling Samuel's grim prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 28:20 stands as a stark theological declaration concerning the consequences of rebellion against divine authority and the terrifying reality of God's judgment. It illustrates that spiritual separation from God leads to profound despair and a complete loss of inner strength, regardless of one's earthly position or power. Saul's fear is not merely of death, but of a death that signifies God's final and irrevocable abandonment. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's word, whether of blessing or judgment, is utterly reliable and will come to pass. It underscores the sanctity of God's commands regarding forbidden practices like necromancy, showing that seeking counsel outside of God's revealed will only leads to deeper darkness and despair.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is Like the Sin of Divination"): "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king."
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man vs. Trust in God"): "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."
* [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - God's Righteous Judgment"): "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's dramatic collapse in 1 Samuel 28:20 offers a sobering reflection on the human condition when separated from God. It reminds us that persistent disobedience and a refusal to repent can lead to a state of profound spiritual and emotional desolation, where even physical strength gives way. Saul's desperate turn to forbidden practices, rather than genuine repentance and seeking God through legitimate means, only hastened his downfall and intensified his despair. This narrative challenges us to examine our own lives: when faced with crises or God's apparent silence, do we turn to illicit or ungodly solutions, or do we humbly seek Him through prayer, His Word, and the counsel of His people? The verse also highlights the interconnectedness of our physical and spiritual well-being; neglecting one can profoundly impact the other. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the consequences of rejecting God's authority and the peace that is lost when one lives in defiance of His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "forbidden practices" or "illicit counsel" in my life that I might be tempted to turn to when God seems silent or when I face overwhelming challenges?**
* **How does Saul's physical weakness reflect his spiritual state, and what does this teach me about the holistic nature of my well-being?**
* **In what ways might my own persistent disobedience or unrepentant sin be leading me towards a state of spiritual "no strength" or despair?**
* **How can I ensure that my fear is directed towards God in reverence, rather than towards circumstances or the consequences of my sin, like Saul's terror?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samuel appear if consulting mediums was forbidden by God?**

Answer: The appearance of Samuel in [1 Samuel 28](/1_samuel/28 "1 Samuel 28 - Saul and the Medium of Endor") is a complex and debated theological point. While the medium was engaged in a forbidden practice, the text strongly implies that Samuel's appearance was not a result of her power, but rather a direct, sovereign act of God. It was an unexpected, divine intervention to deliver a final, authoritative word of judgment to Saul, confirming his rejection and impending doom. God, in His sovereignty, can use even illicit contexts to accomplish His purposes, though He never condones the sin itself. This was not an endorsement of necromancy, but a dramatic demonstration of God's control over life and death, and His unwavering commitment to His word, even when it is a word of judgment.

**What does Saul's physical collapse and lack of strength reveal about his state?**

Answer: Saul's physical collapse and lack of strength reveal the profound depth of his despair, fear, and spiritual desolation. While his prolonged fasting contributed to his physical debilitation, his physical state is also a powerful metaphor for his spiritual condition. He was utterly broken, not just physically exhausted, but spiritually bankrupt. The absence of strength signifies the complete withdrawal of God's sustaining presence and favor, leaving Saul exposed and helpless before the terrifying reality of divine judgment. It underscores the interconnectedness of body, soul, and spirit, showing how extreme spiritual and emotional distress can manifest in severe physical weakness.

**Is this passage a warning against seeking forbidden counsel today?**

Answer: Absolutely. This passage serves as a powerful and enduring warning against seeking counsel or guidance through means explicitly forbidden by God. Just as necromancy was an abomination in ancient Israel ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")), contemporary practices such as astrology, divination, spiritism, certain forms of New Age mysticism, or any attempt to gain knowledge or power outside of God's revealed will are equally condemned. Saul's experience demonstrates that such pursuits, born of desperation and a lack of trust in God, lead not to peace or solution, but to deeper despair, spiritual danger, and ultimately, judgment. Believers are called to seek God's wisdom through His Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet")), prayer ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")), and the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Christian community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 28:20, with its depiction of Saul's utter collapse under the weight of divine judgment and the consequences of sin, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate human condition apart from Christ, while simultaneously highlighting the profound contrast with the redemption offered in Him. Saul's "sore afraid" state and "no strength" perfectly illustrate the terror and helplessness of humanity facing God's righteous wrath for sin, a wrath that Jesus willingly bore on the cross. Unlike Saul, who was abandoned by God due to his rebellion, Jesus, though perfectly obedient, experienced ultimate abandonment on the cross, crying out, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" Yet, in His abandonment, He secured our acceptance. Saul's kingdom was torn from him, leading to his demise; Christ's kingdom is eternal, established through His victory over sin and death, offering true strength and peace to all who believe. Where Saul's desperation led him to forbidden practices and deeper despair, Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice provide the only legitimate access to God, becoming our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His physical suffering and death were not a sign of His weakness or God's judgment upon Him for His own sin, but the means by which He conquered sin and death, offering us the [strength to stand](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord") in the face of our own spiritual battles and the hope of eternal life, rather than despair and judgment.

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

1 Samuel 28:5

And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

Psalms 50:21

These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.

Psalms 50:22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

1 Samuel 25:37

But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became [as] a stone.

Job 26:2

How hast thou helped [him that is] without power? [how] savest thou the arm [that hath] no strength?

Job 15:20

The wicked man travaileth with pain all [his] days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.

Job 15:24

Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.