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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."
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Summary
1 Samuel 28:22 captures a poignant moment of unexpected compassion and practical care extended to King Saul in his deepest hour of despair. Having received a devastating prophecy of his impending death and Israel's defeat from the spirit of Samuel, Saul is utterly prostrate, physically and emotionally depleted. In this verse, the medium of Endor, whom Saul had previously sought to eradicate, humbly and insistently offers him essential sustenance, recognizing his dire physical state and the overwhelming burden he carries, aiming to restore his strength for the perilous journey ahead.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is intricately woven into the climactic and tragic narrative of King Saul's final days, immediately following the terrifying and forbidden encounter with the spirit of Samuel. After Saul's repeated disobedience led to God's rejection of him as king, and with the Philistine army arrayed against Israel, Saul desperately sought divine guidance. When God remained silent through traditional means (dreams, Urim, and prophets, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 28:6), he resorted to the illicit practice of necromancy. The medium, initially terrified upon realizing her client was King Saul (who had previously purged the land of such practitioners, as noted in 1 Samuel 28:9), witnesses Saul's complete collapse after Samuel's dire prophecy of his impending death and the transfer of his kingdom to David (1 Samuel 28:19). 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" (1 Samuel 28:20). It is in this profound moment of utter physical and spiritual desolation that the medium, transcending the immense personal risk and Saul's past hostility, is moved with pity and offers him sustenance, urging him to eat.
Historical & Cultural Context
The act of consulting a medium or engaging in necromancy was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law, as explicitly stated in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Saul himself had previously enforced this prohibition, attempting to rid the land of such practices throughout his reign. This background highlights the profound desperation that led Saul to transgress such a fundamental covenant command, illustrating the depth of his spiritual decline. Furthermore, ancient Near Eastern culture placed a high value on hospitality, especially towards travelers or those in distress. While the medium's profession was illicit, her act of offering food and comfort to a man in profound physical and emotional collapse aligns with this broader cultural expectation of caring for the vulnerable. Saul's physical state—having gone without food for a day and a night—was a common consequence of extreme distress or fasting, and the restoration of strength through basic sustenance was a recognized necessity for continued travel or action.
Key Themes
The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes. Profound Despair and Exhaustion is central, as Saul's physical and mental state is depicted as utterly broken, emphasizing the devastating impact of divine judgment and the terror of impending fate. He is described as having "no strength in him" (1 Samuel 28:20), a condition exacerbated by his fasting. This highlights the basic human need for sustenance when facing overwhelming spiritual or emotional burdens. Another prominent theme is Unexpected Compassion and Hospitality, exemplified by the medium's surprising act of kindness. Despite the immense personal risk and Saul's earlier persecution of her kind, she extends genuine care, offering food and comfort to a man in deep distress. This showcases the universal human capacity for empathy, even in morally ambiguous situations, and stands in stark contrast to the divine rejection Saul has experienced, subtly hinting at the concept of common grace. Finally, the Weight of Prophecy and Divine Judgment is powerfully evident, as Samuel's dire message completely crushes Saul's spirit, demonstrating the profound and often terrifying impact of divine pronouncements, particularly those of judgment and the consequences of persistent disobedience to God's will, as seen throughout 1 Samuel.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning a female slave or servant. In this context, "thine handmaid" is a humble and respectful form of address used by an inferior to a superior. It underscores the medium's submissive posture despite the immense power imbalance and Saul's prior hostility towards her profession. This choice of address highlights her compassionate plea, not as an equal, but as one seeking to serve and provide succor to a distressed king, demonstrating a remarkable lack of resentment and a genuine desire to help.
(path, meaning a bit or piece) and H3899 (lechem, meaning food, especially bread). This phrase refers to a simple, essential piece of food, specifically bread. It signifies the basic, life-sustaining nature of her offer. It is not a lavish meal, but the fundamental sustenance necessary to restore physical strength. The simplicity of the offering underscores the medium's practical and immediate concern for Saul's most basic, dire need.
Meaning vigor, force, capacity, or power. While primarily referring to physical strength, the term can also encompass inner fortitude or resilience. In Saul's context, having collapsed from fear and hunger, the "strength" she offers is both physical restoration to stand and travel, but also implicitly a small measure of resilience to face the inevitable. It is the vital energy needed to continue his journey, both literal and metaphorical, towards his grim destiny.
Verse Breakdown
"Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid"
This opening phrase reveals the medium's persistent and humble entreaty. She has already urged Saul to eat in 1 Samuel 28:21, and here she reiterates her plea, acknowledging his profound distress but insisting on the necessity of her counsel. Her self-identification as "thine handmaid" emphasizes her subservient role while simultaneously asserting her compassionate authority in this specific moment of care, urging him to listen and comply for his own good.
"and let me set a morsel of bread before thee"
This clause highlights the practical and immediate nature of her compassion. She is not offering empty words but tangible, life-sustaining provision. The "morsel of bread" signifies a basic, humble, yet profoundly necessary act of hospitality and care, directly addressing Saul's physical depletion and demonstrating her willingness to serve him personally.
"and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way"
This final clause articulates the clear, practical purpose behind her offer: the restoration of Saul's physical strength. She understands that without sustenance, he cannot continue his journey, which is both a literal reference to his return trip and a poignant metaphorical reference to his final, tragic path towards the battle in which he will die. It is an act of practical mercy, enabling him to face his grim fate with at least some physical capacity, even if it cannot change his spiritual destiny.
Literary Devices
The passage is rich with Irony, as King Saul, who had previously purged the land of mediums and diviners, now finds himself in a position of utter vulnerability, dependent on the very kind of person he sought to eradicate. The medium, whom he persecuted, becomes his unexpected benefactor, offering him life-sustaining aid. This creates a stark Contrast between Saul's past actions and his present predicament, and between the divine judgment he has just received and the human compassion he is now shown. The Symbolism of "bread" is also potent; it represents not just physical nourishment but also life, sustenance, and the basic provision necessary for existence. In this context, the bread offered by the medium becomes a symbol of unexpected grace and the universal human need for basic care, even in the darkest spiritual circumstances. The medium's persistent plea also employs Pathos, appealing to Saul's immediate need for physical restoration, despite the overwhelming spiritual terror he has just experienced, evoking pity and a sense of shared humanity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse, while seemingly a small act of human kindness, is deeply significant within the broader theological narrative of 1 Samuel. It underscores that even in moments of profound divine judgment and human sin, God's providential care can manifest through unexpected channels. The medium's compassion, though she operates outside of God's covenant, serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent human capacity for empathy and the universal call to care for the distressed, regardless of their spiritual standing or past actions. It highlights that basic human needs, like food and rest, are fundamental, and attending to them can be a crucial step in navigating overwhelming spiritual or emotional burdens. This act of mercy, extended to a king who has been explicitly rejected by God, subtly points to the broader concept of common grace, where God's goodness and provision are extended to all humanity, even the unrighteous, sustaining them in their earthly existence and demonstrating a divine concern for the physical well-being of all creation.
Reflection and Application
The scene at Endor is undeniably dark and tragic, centered on a king who has lost God's favor and is facing imminent death. Yet, within this somber narrative, 1 Samuel 28:22 shines a quiet light on the enduring power of human compassion. It challenges us to consider our own responses to those in deep distress, even when their suffering might be self-inflicted or their moral standing questionable. The medium's act serves as a powerful reminder that basic human needs—food, shelter, a moment of rest—are paramount when someone is overwhelmed by fear, grief, or despair. It prompts us to look beyond immediate judgments and extend practical, empathetic aid, recognizing the shared humanity that binds us. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart of mercy, to be attentive to the physical and emotional exhaustion of others, and to be willing to offer simple, tangible help, even when the circumstances are complex or uncomfortable. It reminds us that compassion can emerge from the most unexpected places and that our call to love our neighbor extends even to those we might deem "unworthy" or "other," reflecting God's own common grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the medium, who was persecuted by Saul, show him such kindness?
The text does not explicitly state the medium's motivations, but her actions strongly suggest profound human empathy and compassion. Upon witnessing Saul's utter collapse and terror after Samuel's prophecy, she was deeply moved with pity. Despite Saul's past actions against her kind (as noted in 1 Samuel 28:9), her immediate response was to alleviate his suffering by offering food and comfort. This highlights a universal human capacity for empathy that can transcend personal grievances or social boundaries, demonstrating a remarkable act of grace in a dark and desperate context. Her actions may also reflect a deep-seated cultural value of hospitality, especially towards those in distress.
What is the significance of "bread" in this context?
"Bread" (Hebrew: lekhem) is a fundamental staple food in the ancient world, symbolizing basic sustenance and life itself. In this context, the "morsel of bread" offered by the medium is not just any food, but the most essential and readily available means to restore physical strength to Saul, who had gone without food for a day and a night (1 Samuel 28:20). Its significance lies in its immediate and practical ability to sustain life and provide the necessary energy for Saul to continue his journey, even towards his inevitable doom. It underscores the vital importance of attending to basic physical needs, especially in moments of extreme distress, as a foundational act of human care.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 1 Samuel 28:22 depicts an act of human compassion in a context of spiritual darkness and divine judgment, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate compassion and provision found in Christ. Just as the medium offered a "morsel of bread" to a physically and spiritually depleted Saul, Jesus Christ is the true "Bread of Life" (John 6:35) who offers spiritual sustenance to a humanity utterly depleted by sin and despair. Saul's desperate search for guidance and strength in forbidden places reflects humanity's fallen state, seeking fulfillment apart from God. Yet, Christ, unlike the medium, is not merely a dispenser of temporary physical strength but the very source of eternal life and spiritual renewal. He comes not to condemn but to save, extending grace even to those who have rejected God, much like Saul. Jesus' ministry was characterized by profound empathy for the lost, the sick, and the outcast, offering both physical healing and spiritual restoration, as seen in His miraculous feeding of the multitudes (Matthew 14:13-21) and His compassionate interactions with sinners (Luke 7:36-50). Ultimately, the strength the medium offered was for Saul's final, tragic journey; the strength Christ offers is for a new, eternal journey, enabling us to "go on our way" in faith and hope, sustained by His divine provision and unending mercy (Philippians 4:13) and leading us to true life in Him (John 10:10).