1 Samuel 28:6

KJV

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Saul {H7586} enquired {H7592} of the LORD {H3068}, the LORD {H3068} answered {H6030} him not, neither by dreams {H2472}, nor by Urim {H224}, nor by prophets {H5030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when he consulted ADONAI, ADONAI didn't answer him - not by dreams, not by urim and not by prophets.

Berean Standard Bible

He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

American Standard Version

And when Saul inquired of Jehovah, Jehovah answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 28:6 vividly portrays King Saul's desperate attempt to seek divine guidance as the Philistine army massed for battle, only to be met with absolute silence from the LORD. This profound lack of response—neither through traditional dreams, the sacred Urim, nor the established prophetic office—underscores God's complete withdrawal from Saul, a direct consequence of the king's persistent rebellion and spiritual estrangement. The verse marks a critical turning point, highlighting the severe judgment of divine silence and precipitating Saul's tragic descent into forbidden practices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a narrative arc that chronicles Saul's tragic decline and God's rejection of him as king. Immediately preceding [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - Saul's Desperate Inquiry"), [1 Samuel 28:5](/1_samuel/28-5 "1 Samuel 28:5 - Saul's Great Fear") describes Saul's profound fear upon seeing the vast Philistine encampment at Shunem, a fear exacerbated by the recent death of Samuel ([1 Samuel 25:1](/1_samuel/25-1 "1 Samuel 25:1 - Death of Samuel")), the prophet through whom God had frequently communicated. Saul's inquiry of the LORD in this verse is therefore an act of desperation, a last-ditch effort to secure divine counsel before a seemingly insurmountable battle. The LORD's silence sets the stage for Saul's subsequent, and ultimately fatal, decision to consult the medium at Endor ([1 Samuel 28:7](/1_samuel/28-7 "1 Samuel 28:7 - Saul Consults the Medium")), revealing the depth of his spiritual abandonment and his willingness to transgress divine law in his desperation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the early Israelite monarchy was marked by ongoing conflicts with surrounding nations, particularly the Philistines, who posed a significant threat to Israel's territorial integrity and national identity. Kings like Saul were expected to lead their people in battle and, crucially, to seek divine guidance before major engagements. In ancient Israel, legitimate means of divine communication included prophetic pronouncements, dreams, and the Urim and Thummim, sacred objects used by the high priest to discern God's will. The prohibition against consulting mediums, necromancers, and other illicit sources of divination was explicitly stated in the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition Against Divination")), emphasizing the LORD's sole authority as the source of truth and guidance. Saul's actions in this chapter, both his legitimate inquiry and his subsequent forbidden act, must be understood against this backdrop of established religious practice and divine command.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - Divine Silence as Judgment") powerfully illustrates the theme of divine silence as a form of judgment. Saul's repeated disobedience, culminating in his rejection by God as king ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rebellion and Rejection")), had severed his relationship with the LORD. God's refusal to answer him highlights the severe consequences of persistent rebellion and an unrepentant heart. This verse also underscores the theme of legitimate versus illegitimate means of seeking God's will. By listing the traditional avenues of divine communication—dreams, Urim, and prophets—the text emphasizes that God had completely withdrawn His presence and counsel from Saul through all established channels. This withdrawal drives Saul to an act of desperation, leading him to consult a forbidden source, thereby intensifying the theme of spiritual decline and the tragic consequences of abandoning God's ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** This verb signifies a formal, deliberate act of seeking counsel or an oracle, often from a divine source. It implies a conscious effort to ascertain God's will, particularly in matters of national importance or battle strategy. The use of *sha'al* here indicates that Saul was not merely praying casually but was attempting to engage in the established, legitimate process of seeking divine guidance, highlighting the gravity of his situation and his recognition, however belated, of his need for God's direction.
* **Answered him not (Hebrew, _lo anahu'_):** This phrase, repeated emphatically in the negative, conveys an absolute and unequivocal silence. The verb *anah* means "to answer" or "to respond." The negation *lo* makes it clear that there was no response whatsoever, signifying a complete cessation of divine communication. This silence is not passive indifference but an active, deliberate withdrawal of God's presence and counsel, serving as a profound judgment on Saul's unrepentant heart and severed relationship with the LORD.
* **Urim (Hebrew, _Urim'_):** One of two sacred objects (the other being Thummim) associated with the high priest's breastplate, used for discerning God's will, often in a yes/no fashion. The exact nature of the Urim and Thummim is debated, but they were a legitimate, divinely ordained means of receiving guidance for the nation. God's refusal to answer by Urim indicates that even the mechanical or procedural means of divine communication were closed off to Saul, further emphasizing the completeness of God's withdrawal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Saul enquired of the LORD,"**: This clause establishes Saul's desperate action. Faced with a formidable Philistine army and gripped by fear, Saul turns to the LORD, acknowledging, at least outwardly, the need for divine intervention and guidance in a crisis. This inquiry is a formal attempt to use legitimate channels of communication, even though his relationship with God was severely fractured.
* **"the LORD answered him not,"**: This is the pivotal declaration of the verse. It directly states God's resolute silence, a stark contrast to the LORD's previous interactions with Saul and the norm for a king seeking divine counsel. This "no answer" is a powerful theological statement, signifying God's judgment and withdrawal from a king who had repeatedly disobeyed and rejected His commands.
* **"neither by dreams,"**: Dreams were a common and accepted method through which God communicated with individuals in the Old Testament, often conveying warnings, instructions, or revelations about the future. God's refusal to speak to Saul through dreams indicates that even in the private, subconscious realm, divine communication was withheld.
* **"nor by Urim,"**: The Urim (and Thummim) were sacred objects used by the high priest to obtain divine guidance, typically for specific, direct questions. The fact that this priestly means of inquiry also yielded no response implies that the institutional and direct channels of communication were also closed off, perhaps because the high priest (Abiathar, who had fled from Saul) was no longer with Saul, or because God simply chose not to communicate through this means to Saul.
* **"nor by prophets."**: Prophets served as God's direct spokespersons, delivering His messages to the people and their leaders. Samuel, the primary prophet of Saul's early reign, was dead, and no other prophet was raised up or willing to speak to Saul on God's behalf. This signifies the complete closure of the most direct and personal form of divine communication, leaving Saul utterly isolated from God's voice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated negative phrasing, "neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets," which emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's silence. This triple negation underscores that every legitimate avenue of divine communication was closed to Saul, highlighting the severity of his spiritual isolation. There is also a strong sense of **Juxtaposition**, contrasting Saul's desperate "enquiry of the LORD" with the LORD's unyielding "answered him not." This stark contrast heightens the drama and the tragic reality of Saul's estranged relationship with God. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling Saul's impending doom. God's silence is a divine verdict, indicating that Saul has been abandoned and will face the Philistines without divine aid, directly setting the stage for his ultimate defeat and death in the subsequent chapter. The lack of divine counsel pushes Saul to seek illicit means, further solidifying his tragic trajectory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 28:6 serves as a stark theological warning about the consequences of persistent disobedience and a broken covenant relationship with God. God's silence is not merely an absence of words but an active judgment, a withdrawal of His presence and guidance from a heart that has continually rebelled against Him. This verse underscores the principle that intimacy and communication with God are predicated on a posture of humility, repentance, and obedience. When humanity hardens its heart against God's revealed will, it risks severing the very lifeline of divine counsel and comfort, leading to spiritual desolation and desperate, often destructive, choices.

* [Proverbs 1:28](/proverbs/1-28 "Proverbs 1:28 - Wisdom's Call and Rejection")
* [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound silence that met Saul's desperate inquiry in 1 Samuel 28:6 offers a sober reflection for believers today. It reminds us that while God is always present, His active communication and comforting guidance can be hindered by unconfessed sin and a persistent pattern of disobedience. This passage challenges us to examine the state of our own hearts and our relationship with God. Are we living in a manner that fosters open communication, or are there areas of rebellion that might be creating a spiritual chasm? God's primary means of communication with us today is through His inspired Word, the Bible, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, and through prayer. We are called to diligently engage with these legitimate avenues, seeking His wisdom and direction with a humble and obedient heart, rather than resorting to worldly or ungodly solutions when faced with fear or uncertainty. Saul's tragic story serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging us to prioritize a right relationship with God above all else, ensuring that our spiritual ears remain open to His voice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "silence" from God, and could it be related to unaddressed sin or disobedience?**
* **Am I consistently engaging with God's legitimate means of communication—His Word and prayer—with a heart prepared to listen and obey?**
* **How does Saul's desperation to seek forbidden counsel challenge me to trust God's sovereignty even when His answers are not immediate or clear?**

### FAQ
**Why did God stop answering Saul?**

Answer: God stopped answering Saul primarily because of Saul's persistent and escalating disobedience to the LORD's commands. Saul had repeatedly rebelled against God's instructions, notably in his failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their livestock ([1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")), which led to God's definitive rejection of him as king ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft")). God's silence was a direct consequence of this broken covenant relationship, signifying His withdrawal from a king who had chosen his own will over God's. It was a severe form of judgment, indicating that Saul had exhausted God's patience and forfeited the right to divine counsel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound silence encountered by Saul in [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul") stands in stark contrast to God's ultimate and perfect communication through Jesus Christ. While Saul, a disobedient king, found every legitimate avenue of divine counsel closed, humanity now has full and open access to God through the Son. Jesus is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the complete and final revelation of God, far surpassing dreams, Urim, or prophets. As the [greatest Prophet](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"), He speaks God's truth directly and perfectly. As our [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), He offers a way to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, an access that the Urim could only dimly foreshadow. And as the [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), He establishes a new covenant where God's Spirit dwells within believers, guiding them into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Saul's desperate search for a word from God, which led him to forbidden practices, highlights humanity's inherent need for divine guidance. In Christ, this need is met eternally; He is the living Word, the ultimate answer, and the open door to communion with God, ensuring that those who are in Him will never experience the terrifying silence of divine abandonment that Saul endured.

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 14:37

And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

Lamentations 2:9

Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes [are] among the Gentiles: the law [is] no [more]; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD.

Numbers 27:21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

James 4:3

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.