1 Samuel 28:24

KJV

And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded [it], and did bake unleavened bread thereof:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the woman {H802} had a fat {H4770} calf {H5695} in the house {H1004}; and she hasted {H4116}, and killed {H2076} it, and took {H3947} flour {H7058}, and kneaded {H3888} it, and did bake {H644} unleavened bread {H4682} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

The woman had a fattened calf in the house; she hurried to slaughter it; then she took flour, kneaded it and baked matzah with it.

Berean Standard Bible

The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.

American Standard Version

And the woman had a fatted calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it; and she took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:

Commentary

### 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](/1_samuel/28-7-19 "1 Samuel 28:7-19 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")). 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](/1_samuel/28-20 "1 Samuel 28:20 - Saul Collapses")). 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](/1_samuel/28-3 "1 Samuel 28:3 - Samuel's Death and Saul's Purge") and [1 Samuel 28:9](/1_samuel/28-9 "1 Samuel 28:9 - The Woman's Fear of Saul's Decree"))—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](/1_samuel/1 "The Book 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](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Saul's Victory Over the Ammonites")). 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
* **calf (Hebrew, _‘êgel'_); fat (Hebrew, _marbêq'_):** 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.
* **hasted (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** 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.
* **unleavened bread (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_):** 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.

* [Proverbs 25:21-22](/proverbs/25-21-22 "Proverbs 25:21-22 - Feeding Your Enemy")
* [Romans 12:20](/romans/12-20 "Romans 12:20 - Overcoming Evil with Good")
* [Luke 10:33-34](/luke/10-33-34 "Luke 10:33-34 - The Good Samaritan's Compassion")

### 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
* **How does the woman's act of hospitality challenge our own tendencies to withhold kindness from those we disagree with or who have wronged us?**
* **What does it mean to offer "a fat calf" (i.e., our best, our costly resources) to someone in need, even when they may not "deserve" it by human standards?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to judge or condemn others, rather than responding to their immediate physical or emotional needs?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of urgent compassion that "hastes" to meet the needs of others, rather than delaying or making excuses?**

### FAQ
**Why did the woman, a medium, show such kindness to King Saul, who had outlawed her profession?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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](/luke/15-23 "Luke 15:23 - The Fatted Calf 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 (cf. [John 6:53-58](/john/6-53-58 "John 6:53-58 - Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of Jesus")). 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](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) 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.

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

Luke 15:23

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry:

Genesis 18:7

And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave [it] unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

Genesis 18:8

And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set [it] before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.