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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.
But that woman had a Paschal calf in her house, etc. The most tender and excellent calf, and fine flour bread, which Abraham and Sarah prepared to refresh the Lord during the fervent midday sun (Gen. XVIII), implies the faith in the Lord's incarnation and the perfection of devout humility, with which the holy Church, together with its spiritual teachers glowing with the light of love and wisdom, placates the Lord. But on the other hand, this Paschal calf, and the flour which the demon-possessed woman cooked for Saul who was about to die, and presented for his servants to eat in the middle of the night, express the birth and reign of the Antichrist, and the breaking of the hearts of those who serve him with foolish humility: which the synagogue of Satan, enveloped in the darkness of impiety, suggests to its hearers who are wretched and condemned to eternal death as things to be believed and hoped for, as if it refreshes them with sweet feasts from the fear of surrounding troubles; so that the hearts nourished with this food, progressing in wickedness, go darkly through the shadow under the solitary night.
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Summary
1 Samuel 28:24 powerfully illustrates the extraordinary and urgent compassion extended by the medium of Endor to King Saul. Following the terrifying and definitive prophecy from the spirit of Samuel regarding his impending death and the transfer of his kingdom to David, Saul was utterly prostrate, physically and emotionally depleted. In this moment of profound despair and weakness, the woman, despite Saul's previous decree against her kind, moved swiftly and generously to prepare a substantial and nourishing meal—a fattened calf and unleavened bread—to restore the strength of the broken king before his final, fateful departure.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows the climactic and devastating encounter between King Saul and the spirit of Samuel, conjured by the medium of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-19). Samuel's prophecy was unequivocal: Saul, along with his sons, would die the next day, and the kingdom would be torn from him and given to David. The crushing weight of this pronouncement caused Saul to collapse, utterly devoid of strength and hope (1 Samuel 28:20). The woman and Saul's servants then urged him to eat, recognizing his critical state. Verse 24 details the woman's immediate and practical response to Saul's profound physical and emotional collapse, demonstrating a remarkable act of human kindness in the face of divine judgment and personal danger. It sets the stage for Saul's final, doomed battle, emphasizing his profound weakness just before his end.
Historical & Cultural Context
Hospitality was a sacred duty in the ancient Near East, often extended even to strangers or those with whom one had a strained relationship. To deny food and shelter was a grave offense, considered a serious breach of social custom. The woman of Endor, though a medium—a practice forbidden by Mosaic Law and actively persecuted by Saul himself (1 Samuel 28:3 and 1 Samuel 28:9)—nonetheless exemplifies this deep-seated cultural value. The "fat calf" (Hebrew: ‘ēgel marbēq) was a significant and costly offering, typically reserved for honored guests, special celebrations, or covenant meals, indicating the woman's extraordinary generosity and the importance of the occasion. Unleavened bread (maṣṣôt) was quick to prepare, requiring no leavening time, making it ideal for an urgent meal, reflecting the pressing circumstances and Saul's need for immediate sustenance before his departure.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within the broader narrative of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights compassion and unexpected grace, as the woman, a marginalized figure, extends profound kindness to the very king who sought to eradicate her kind. This stands in stark contrast to Saul's own decline into paranoia and self-interest, demonstrating that human empathy can emerge in the most unlikely places. Secondly, it vividly portrays Saul's utter desolation and physical decline, emphasizing his complete dependence on a woman he had previously persecuted, a poignant symbol of his spiritual and political fall from grace. His inability to stand or eat without assistance underscores the depth of his despair after the divine pronouncement of judgment (compare with his earlier strength and leadership in 1 Samuel 11). Finally, the act of preparing a sustaining meal, even in the shadow of impending doom, points to the basic human need for sustenance and the inherent value of life, even when confronted with a grim destiny.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This phrase, "fat calf," refers to a young bovine, specifically one that has been kept in a stall and specially fed to be plump and ready for slaughter. It signifies a prime, well-nourished animal, indicating a substantial, high-quality meal, not an ordinary one. In ancient cultures, offering a fattened calf was a gesture of immense honor, generosity, and often, celebration, underscoring the lavishness of the meal she prepared for Saul.
Derived from a root meaning "to hurry" or "to be quick," this verb emphasizes the woman's immediate, unhesitating, and urgent action. It conveys her deep concern for Saul's critical state and her desire to provide him with sustenance without delay, highlighting her compassion and efficiency in a moment of crisis. The adverbial sense of "promptly" is evident in her swift preparation.
This refers to flatbread made without leaven, which requires no time for rising or fermentation. It is quick to prepare and bake, making it a practical choice for an emergency meal or when time is of the essence. Its inclusion alongside the calf reinforces the urgency of the situation and the woman's practical approach to providing immediate nourishment for the weakened king.
Verse Breakdown
"And the woman had a fat calf in the house"
This clause establishes the availability of a significant resource for hospitality. The "fat calf" signifies a valuable possession, indicating that the woman was prepared to offer a substantial and honorable meal, not merely a meager one. It sets the stage for the extraordinary act of generosity that follows, highlighting her capacity for lavish provision.
"and she hasted, and killed it"
This phrase emphasizes the woman's swift and decisive action. Her "hasting" underscores the urgency of Saul's condition and her immediate response to his dire need. Killing a calf was a significant undertaking, requiring effort and commitment, further highlighting the depth of her compassion and determination to provide for the king without delay.
"and took flour, and kneaded [it], and did bake unleavened bread thereof"
This final clause details the complete preparation of the meal. The inclusion of "flour" and "kneaded" indicates the process of making bread from scratch. The choice of "unleavened bread" points to its quick preparation time, reinforcing the sense of urgency and the woman's practical desire to provide immediate sustenance to Saul, who was physically collapsed and needed prompt nourishment.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. Irony is paramount, as the king who sought to eliminate mediums now finds his life sustained by one, highlighting the reversal of fortunes and the unexpected source of grace. This deep contrast is drawn between Saul's royal authority and his utter helplessness, and between his persecution of the woman and her selfless compassion. The "fat calf" itself functions as symbolism, representing not only a lavish meal but also the extraordinary nature of the woman's hospitality and perhaps, in a broader sense, the sacrificial provision that often accompanies significant biblical events. The swiftness of her actions, conveyed by "hasted," adds to the dramatic tension, emphasizing the immediate and dire circumstances surrounding Saul's final hours and his desperate need for sustenance.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse, though seemingly a simple description of meal preparation, is rich with theological implications. It presents a profound paradox: a king under divine judgment, utterly broken, receives an extraordinary act of human kindness from a woman whose very existence he had sought to suppress. This highlights God's mysterious ways, often working through unexpected channels, and underscores the enduring biblical principle of hospitality and compassion, even towards those who are our enemies or persecutors. It reminds us that even in moments of profound spiritual darkness and divine judgment, the capacity for human grace and practical love can shine through, reflecting a deeper, inherent value placed on life and the alleviation of suffering. The woman's actions transcend the immediate legalistic boundaries and personal animosities, embodying a higher ethic of care that mirrors divine attributes.
Reflection and Application
The scene at Endor, culminating in the woman's compassionate act, offers a powerful lesson in what it means to truly see and respond to human need, regardless of circumstance or personal history. The woman did not dwell on Saul's past actions against her or his spiritual failings; she saw a broken man on the brink of collapse and responded with immediate, practical, and generous care. This challenges us to look beyond labels, prejudices, or even past hurts, and to extend genuine hospitality and help to those in distress. It reminds us that true compassion often involves costly sacrifice, offering our best even when it seems undeserved or inconvenient. In a world often polarized and quick to condemn, the woman of Endor stands as a testament to the enduring power of human kindness to transcend division and offer a moment of grace in the darkest of times, urging us to be agents of practical love in our own spheres of influence. Her example calls us to examine our own hearts: do we prioritize our grievances or the immediate needs of those around us?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the woman, a medium, show such kindness to King Saul, who had outlawed her profession?
The text does not explicitly state her motivations, but several factors likely played a role. Firstly, ancient Near Eastern culture placed a very high value on hospitality, a sacred duty even to strangers or those with whom one had conflict. To refuse aid to a distressed individual, especially a king, would have been a grave social transgression. Secondly, the woman may have been genuinely moved by Saul's utterly broken and desperate state; he was not acting as a persecutor but as a man overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion. Her compassion transcended the legal and political animosity. Finally, it's possible she recognized the gravity of Samuel's prophecy and felt a human obligation to provide comfort and sustenance to a man facing imminent death, regardless of his past actions against her. Her act highlights a profound human empathy that rises above personal grievance and legalistic boundaries.
What is the significance of the "fat calf" and "unleavened bread" in this context?
The "fat calf" (Hebrew: ‘êgel marbêq) was a prime, well-nourished animal, signifying a substantial and honorable meal. It was not an everyday offering but typically reserved for special guests, celebrations, or significant occasions, such as the feast for the prodigal son. Its provision here underscores the extraordinary generosity and respect the woman showed Saul, despite their circumstances. The "unleavened bread" (Hebrew: maṣṣôt) was quick to prepare, as it did not require time for rising. This choice highlights the urgency of the situation and the woman's desire to provide immediate nourishment for Saul, who was physically collapsed and needed sustenance without delay before his departure for battle.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 1 Samuel 28:24 describes an act of human compassion in a moment of profound despair, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect provision found in Christ. The woman's offering of a "fat calf" and "unleavened bread" speaks of a costly, substantial meal given to one utterly broken and undeserving, mirroring the lavish grace extended to humanity through Jesus. Just as Saul, weakened and facing death, was sustained by this unexpected meal, so too are we, spiritually dead and condemned, sustained by the body and blood of Christ, the ultimate "fatted calf" sacrificed for our redemption (John 6:53-58). The woman's urgency to provide sustenance for a man facing imminent judgment points to Christ's own swift and decisive action to lay down His life, offering Himself as the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and the Lamb of God (John 1:29) to those who are spiritually collapsed under the weight of sin and judgment. Her compassionate act, born of human empathy, pales in comparison to the divine, self-sacrificial love of God in Christ, who provides eternal sustenance and life to His enemies, transforming their condemnation into eternal communion and inviting them to His table.