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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 28:20–25. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We are here told how Saul received this terrible message from the ghost he consulted. He desired to be told what he should do (Sa1 28:15), but was only told what he had not done and what should be done to him. Those that expect any good counsel or comfort otherwise than from God, and in the way of his institutions, will be as wretchedly disappointed as Saul here was. Observe,
I.How he sunk under the load, Sa1 28:20.
He was indeed unfit to bear it, having eaten nothing all the day before, nor that night. He came fasting from the camp, and continued fasting; not for want of food, but for want of an appetite. The fear he was in of the power of the Philistines (Sa1 28:5) took away his appetite, or perhaps the struggle he had with his own conscience, after he had entertained the thought of consulting the witch, made him to nauseate even his necessary food, though ever so dainty. This made him an easy prey to this fresh terror that now came upon him like an armed man. He fell all along on the earth, as if the archers of the Philistines had already hit him, and there was no strength in him to bear up against these heavy tidings. Now he had enough of consulting witches, and found them miserable comforters. When God in his word speaks terror to sinners he opens to them, at the same time, a door of hope if they repent: but those that apply to the gates of hell for succour must there expect darkness without any glimpse of light.
II.With what difficulty he was persuaded to take so much relief as was necessary to carry him back to his post in the camp.
The witch, it should seem, had left Saul alone with the spectre, to have his talk with him by himself; but perhaps hearing him fall and groan, and perceiving him to be in great agony, she came to him (Sa1 28:21), and was very importunate with him to take some refreshment, that he might be able to get clear from her house, fearing that if he should be ill, especially if he should die there, she should be punished for it as a traitor, though she had escaped punishment as a witch. This, it is probable, rather than any sentiment of kindness, made her solicitous to help him. But what a deplorable condition had he brought himself to when he needed so wretched a comforter!
1.She showed herself very importunate with him to take some refreshment. She pleaded (Sa1 28:21) that she had obeyed his voice to the endangering of her life, and why therefore should not he hearken to her voice for the relieving of his life? Sa1 28:22. She had a fat calf at hand (and the word signifies one that was made use of in treading out the corn, and therefore could the worse be spared); this she prepared for his entertainment, Sa1 28:24. Josephus is large in applauding the extraordinary courtesy and liberality of this woman, and recommending what she did as an example of compassion to the distressed, and readiness to communicate for their relief, though we have no prospect of being recompensed.
2.He showed himself very averse to it: He refused, and said, I will not eat (Sa1 28:23), choosing rather to die obscurely by famine than honourably by the sword. Had he laboured only under a defect of animal spirits, food might have helped him; but, alas! his case was out of the reach of such succours. What are dainty meats to a wounded conscience? As vinegar upon nitre, so is he that sings songs to a heavy heart, so disagreeable and unwelcome.
3.The woman at length, with the help of his servants, overpersuaded him, against his inclination and resolution, to take some refreshment. Not by force, but by friendly advice, they compelled him (Sa1 28:23), and of no other than such a rational and courteous compulsion are we to understand that in the parable, Compel them to come in, Luk 14:23. How forcible are right words, when men are pressed by them to that which is for their own interest! Job 6:25. Saul was somewhat revived with this entertainment; so that he and his servants, when they had eaten, rose up and went away before it was light (Sa1 28:25), that they might hasten to their business and that they might not be seen to come out of such a scandalous house. Josephus here much admires the bravery and magnanimity of Saul, that, though he was assured he should lose both his life and honour, yet he would not desert his army, but resolutely returned to the camp, and stood ready for an engagement. I wonder more at the hardness of his heart, that he did not again apply to God by repentance and prayer, in hopes yet to obtain at least a reprieve; but he desperately ran headlong upon his own ruin. Perhaps, indeed, now that rage and envy possessed him to the uttermost, he was the better reconciled to his hard fate, being told that his sons, and Jonathan among the rest, whom he hated for his affection to David, should die with him. If he must fall, he cared not what desolations of his family and kingdom accompanied his fall, hoping it would be the worse for his successor. Emou thanontos gaia michthetō puri - I care not if, when I am dead, the world should be set on fire. He begged not, as David, "Let thy hand be against me, but not against thy people."
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Therefore that woman came in to Saul, etc. And that faithless people, oppressed by so many calamities among the nations today, is troubled on all sides, so that not even the very words of sacred reading, which they still perceive in the darkness of ignorance, would delight it, though perceiving by reading or hearing them, compelled by its own synagogue.
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Summary
1 Samuel 28:21 vividly portrays the immediate aftermath of King Saul's illicit encounter with the Medium of Endor, capturing the woman's compassionate observation of Saul's profound distress and her bold assertion of the immense personal risk she undertook by obeying his desperate command. This verse underscores the human cost of engaging in forbidden practices and highlights the medium's acute awareness of the perilous situation she willingly entered to fulfill the king's request.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated at a tragic and pivotal point in the narrative of King Saul's reign, immediately following the shocking appearance of Samuel's spirit (or an apparition mimicking him) and the delivery of a dire prophecy concerning Saul's imminent defeat and death. The preceding verses establish Saul's desperate spiritual state: God had ceased to answer him through conventional means like dreams, Urim, or prophets, as detailed in 1 Samuel 28:6. In his profound despair and facing a formidable Philistine army, Saul, despite having previously outlawed all mediums and spiritists in 1 Samuel 28:3, sought out the Medium of Endor. Her initial reluctance, based on Saul's own decree, was overcome by his oath of protection. The appearance of Samuel's spirit, unexpected even by the medium, terrified Saul, leaving him prostrate and utterly without strength. Verse 21 describes the woman's compassionate and proactive response to Saul's visible and profound agony, emphasizing her initiative to care for him and her reminder of the extreme danger she had just faced by complying with his desperate request.
Historical & Cultural Context
The practice of necromancy and divination, as engaged in by the Medium of Endor, was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law. Passages like Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly condemn such practices as an "abomination" to the Lord. This prohibition was rooted in Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, who alone was the true source of all revelation and guidance. Engaging in such practices was considered a direct affront to God's sovereignty and a turning away from Him. Saul's prior enforcement of this law demonstrates his awareness of its importance, making his current action a profound act of hypocrisy and rebellion born out of sheer desperation. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, consulting mediums and seeking communication with the dead was a common, albeit often feared, practice, believed to grant access to hidden knowledge or influence spiritual forces. The woman's fear for her life was not unfounded, as violating a king's decree (even if the king himself was violating his own law) could result in severe punishment, particularly for someone in her socially vulnerable position.
Key Themes
The broader narrative of 1 Samuel 28, culminating in verse 21, highlights several critical themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the dangers of desperation leading to forbidden paths. Saul's spiritual and emotional turmoil drove him to acts explicitly condemned by God's law, demonstrating the tragic consequences when individuals, even leaders, abandon divine counsel and seek answers through means that violate God's revealed will, as Proverbs 14:12 warns about a way that seems right but leads to death. Secondly, the woman's statement, "I have put my life in my hand," underscores the cost of obedience (from a human perspective), highlighting the significant personal risk she perceived in fulfilling Saul's command. This idiom vividly conveys the extreme peril involved in engaging in an illegal and spiritually condemned act, even for a king. Lastly, the entire episode serves as a stark commentary on the consequences of persistent rebellion and disobedience to God, culminating in Saul's ultimate downfall and death, a theme powerfully echoed throughout the book of Samuel concerning his reign, particularly in 1 Samuel 15:23.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means to tremble inwardly, to palpitate, or to be suddenly alarmed or agitated. It conveys a deep internal turmoil, a profound sense of fear, anxiety, and even physical distress. When the woman saw Saul, he was not merely upset; he was utterly shaken, likely pale, weak, and perhaps trembling, overwhelmed by the shock of the apparition and the grim prophecy delivered concerning his imminent defeat and death. The preceding word "sore" (H3966, mᵉʼôd), meaning vehemently or exceedingly, intensifies this state, indicating he was profoundly and utterly troubled.
This word refers to a breathing creature, vitality, or abstractly, the soul or self. In this context, it signifies the woman's very existence, her physical life. The idiom "put my life in my hand" emphasizes the preciousness and fragility of life, which she risked by engaging in a forbidden act at the king's command.
This word refers to the hollow hand or palm. As part of the idiom "put my life in my hand," it paints a vivid picture of holding something precious and fragile—one's very life—precariously in one's open palm, where it could easily be lost, crushed, or snatched away. The woman's use of this idiom underscores the immense personal danger she faced by engaging in a forbidden practice for a king who had himself outlawed such acts and whose erratic behavior was well-known.
Verse Breakdown
"And the woman came unto Saul"
This signifies her initiative and a shift in the immediate dynamic. Having witnessed Saul's complete collapse after the encounter with Samuel's spirit, her immediate response is not fear or flight, but to approach him, perhaps out of a mixture of professional duty, compassion for his visible suffering, or a desire to ensure his well-being given his royal status.
"and saw that he was sore troubled"
Her observation is keen and empathetic. Saul's distress was not hidden; it was visibly profound, indicating a complete loss of composure, strength, and perhaps even consciousness, as he had fallen prostrate. This observation prompts her subsequent actions and words, highlighting her awareness of his desperate state.
"and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice"
She directly addresses him, asserting her compliance with his command. The term "handmaid" (H8198, shiphchâh) is a humble self-designation, fitting for someone addressing a king, yet her words carry a subtle weight of responsibility and expectation, reminding him of her fidelity to his request.
"and I have put my life in my hand"
This is the core of her statement, a stark declaration of the extreme personal risk she willingly took. It serves as a powerful reminder to Saul of the gravity of the situation and the immense danger she faced by performing the forbidden act he requested. It subtly implies a reciprocal expectation of protection or consideration from the king, given the peril she endured on his behalf.
"and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me"
This clause reiterates and reinforces her obedience, emphasizing that she fully complied with his specific instructions, despite the inherent danger. It highlights her faithfulness to her word and actions, perhaps implicitly contrasting with Saul's own wavering obedience to God's word throughout his reign.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that deepen its impact. Pathos is powerfully evident in the portrayal of Saul's "sore troubled" state, evoking a measure of sympathy for his desperate and broken condition, even as his actions are condemned. The woman's compassionate response to his visible suffering further enhances this sense of pathos. Irony pervades the entire chapter, as Saul, who once purged the land of mediums and spiritists, now desperately seeks guidance from one, highlighting the tragic decline of his reign and his spiritual bankruptcy. The phrase "put my life in my hand" is a powerful idiom, conveying extreme peril through a vivid, relatable image, emphasizing the woman's courage and the gravity of her actions. Additionally, the entire narrative serves as a form of foreshadowing, with Samuel's grim prophecy directly predicting Saul's demise, setting the stage for the tragic events that immediately follow in the subsequent chapter.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The account of Saul and the Medium of Endor serves as a profound theological warning against seeking guidance or comfort outside of God's revealed will, especially during times of desperation or perceived divine silence. Saul's tragic end underscores the futility and dire consequences of rebellion against God's commands and the danger of resorting to forbidden means to manipulate spiritual realities. True wisdom and peace are found only in steadfast obedience and humble reliance on God's sovereignty, even when His ways are mysterious or His answers are not what we desire. This narrative powerfully illustrates that God's silence is not an invitation to disobedience, but often a call to deeper repentance, renewed faith, and patient waiting on Him, trusting that He works all things for His glory and our good.
Reflection and Application
The narrative of Saul's desperate turn to the Medium of Endor offers enduring and sobering lessons for believers today. In moments of profound crisis, spiritual dryness, or when God seems silent, the temptation to seek answers, comfort, or control through means outside of His revealed Word can be powerful. This account serves as a stark warning against resorting to forbidden practices, whether literal divination or more subtle forms of seeking guidance from sources other than God's Spirit and His Word. It calls us to examine our hearts: do we truly trust God's sovereignty and timing, even when His answers are not immediate or are not what we expect? Do we persist in prayer, repentance, and faithful obedience, or do we, like Saul, abandon the divine path in our desperation? True peace and guidance are found not in manipulating spiritual forces or bypassing God's commands, but in humble submission to His will, steadfast trust in His character, and unwavering commitment to His Word, even when the path is difficult or shrouded in mystery.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was the apparition truly Samuel, or was it a demonic deception or psychological phenomenon?
This question has been debated by scholars for centuries. While some interpretations suggest a demonic impersonation or a psychological hallucination on Saul's part, the biblical text strongly implies that it was indeed the prophet Samuel who appeared. The medium herself was terrified, indicating something beyond her control or expectation occurred. More significantly, the message delivered by the apparition was accurate in its prophecy concerning Saul's defeat and death, as detailed in 1 Samuel 28:16-19, a level of specific detail and accuracy that points to a divine allowance, even if unauthorized by human means. Therefore, the most common theological understanding is that God, in His sovereignty, permitted Samuel to appear as a final, dire pronouncement of judgment upon Saul, rather than as an act of guidance or comfort.
Why did God allow Samuel to appear if He had rejected Saul and refused to answer him?
God's allowing Samuel to appear was not an act of grace or a reversal of His rejection of Saul, but rather a final, devastating act of judgment and confirmation of Saul's impending doom. God had already withdrawn His Spirit from Saul and refused to communicate through legitimate means because of Saul's persistent disobedience and rebellion, as highlighted in 1 Samuel 15:23. The appearance of Samuel served to underscore the finality of God's rejection and to pronounce the specific consequences of Saul's actions, including his death and the transfer of the kingdom to David. It highlighted the utter futility of Saul's desperate attempt to bypass God's established channels and demonstrated that even in judgment, God remains sovereign over all realms, including the spiritual.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The tragic narrative of King Saul's desperate search for guidance outside of God's revealed will stands in stark contrast to the perfect and complete revelation found in Jesus Christ. Saul, having been abandoned by God due to his rebellion, sought a dead prophet through forbidden means, resulting only in a message of condemnation and death. In Christ, however, we find the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, who is the living Word of God, fully revealing the Father, as Hebrews 1:1-3 proclaims. Unlike Saul's encounter, which brought terror and despair, Christ's presence brings life, hope, and salvation. He is the one who truly "put His life in His hand," not out of desperation or sin, but out of perfect obedience to the Father, offering Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Where Saul's path led to a tragic end, marked by the consequences of disobedience, Christ's path of perfect obedience, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, opens the way to eternal life and true communion with God. He is the only true source of wisdom, guidance, and peace, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," as Colossians 2:3 teaches, making any recourse to forbidden means utterly unnecessary and spiritually bankrupt for those who follow Him.