1 Samuel 28:7

¶ Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

Then said {H559} Saul {H7586} unto his servants {H5650}, Seek {H1245} me a woman {H802} that hath {H1172} a familiar spirit {H178}, that I may go {H3212} to her, and enquire {H1875} of her. And his servants {H5650} said {H559} to him, Behold, there is a woman {H802} that hath {H1172} a familiar spirit {H178} at Endor {H5874}.

Then Sha'ul said to his servants, "Try to find a woman who tells the future by communicating with the dead; I want to go and consult with her." His servants answered him, "Yes, there's a woman in 'Ein-Dor who tells the future by communicating with the dead."

Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied.

Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7

1 Samuel 28:7 records a pivotal and tragic moment in the reign of King Saul, revealing his profound desperation and spiritual decline. Having been abandoned by God and facing a formidable Philistine army, Saul seeks forbidden counsel, turning to a woman with a familiar spirit.

Context

This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Saul's life. God had ceased to answer him through traditional means such as dreams, Urim, or prophets (1 Samuel 28:6). The prophet Samuel, who had anointed Saul and served as his spiritual guide, was dead (1 Samuel 28:3). Faced with an overwhelming Philistine threat at Shunem and Gilboa, Saul, consumed by fear, makes a desperate and rebellious decision. Ironically, Saul himself had previously purged mediums and familiar spirits from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), highlighting his hypocrisy and the depth of his spiritual crisis.

Key Themes

  • Desperation Leading to Disobedience: Saul's intense fear and lack of divine guidance drive him to violate God's explicit commands against consulting mediums and necromancers. His actions underscore the dangers of allowing circumstances to dictate spiritual choices.
  • Forbidden Practices: The text clearly identifies the "woman that hath a familiar spirit" as a practitioner of forbidden arts. The Mosaic Law strictly prohibited such activities, viewing them as an abomination and a direct affront to God's sovereignty (Deuteronomy 18:11, Leviticus 19:31).
  • Spiritual Decline: This verse marks a profound spiritual low for Saul. His journey from an anointed king to one seeking illicit spiritual guidance demonstrates the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and a refusal to genuinely repent (1 Samuel 15:23).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "familiar spirit" translates the Hebrew word 'ob (אֹב). This term refers to a necromancer or a medium who consults the dead, often believed to be possessed by a spirit that speaks from the ground or through the medium's belly (ventriloquism). It emphasizes the deceptive and illicit nature of communicating with spirits outside of God's divine will, highlighting the gravity of Saul's transgression.

Practical Application

Saul's example in 1 Samuel 28:7 serves as a powerful warning against seeking guidance from sources forbidden by God. In times of crisis, fear, or when divine answers seem elusive, it is tempting to turn to unconventional or unbiblical means for solutions. However, this verse reminds us of the importance of:

  • Trusting God's Sovereignty: Even when God seems silent, He remains in control. Our response should be patient waiting, continued prayer, and adherence to His revealed will, rather than resorting to desperate measures.
  • Avoiding Forbidden Spiritual Practices: The Bible consistently warns against any form of divination, spiritualism, or communication with spirits. These practices are dangerous and lead away from true faith and dependence on God.
  • Consistent Obedience: Saul's downfall stemmed from a pattern of disobedience. This verse encourages believers to maintain consistent obedience to God's commands, especially when facing trials, to avoid spiritual compromise.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 16:16 (5 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

  • 1 Chronicles 10:13 (4 votes)

    So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];

  • Psalms 83:10 (4 votes)

    [Which] perished at Endor: they became [as] dung for the earth.

  • Joshua 17:11 (4 votes)

    And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.

  • Isaiah 8:19 (3 votes)

    And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

  • Isaiah 8:20 (3 votes)

    To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

  • Habakkuk 2:3 (3 votes)

    For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.