1 Samuel 28:8

KJV

And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me [him] up, whom I shall name unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} disguised {H2664} himself, and put on {H3847} other {H312} raiment {H899}, and he went {H3212}, and two {H8147} men {H582} with him, and they came {H935} to the woman {H802} by night {H3915}: and he said {H559}, I pray thee, divine {H7080} unto me by the familiar spirit {H178}, and bring me him up {H5927}, whom I shall name {H559} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Sha'ul disguised himself by wearing different clothing, went with two men, came to the woman by night and said, "Tell me the future, please. Bring up from the dead the person I name to you."

Berean Standard Bible

So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.”

American Standard Version

And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, Divine unto me, I pray thee, by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whomsoever I shall name unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 28:8 chronicles King Saul's desperate and disobedient act of seeking guidance from a medium at Endor. Overwhelmed by the formidable Philistine threat and experiencing profound divine silence, Saul, in a profound act of hypocrisy and spiritual decline, disguises himself and, accompanied by two trusted men, approaches the woman by night. He implores her to conjure a specific individual's spirit through her familiar spirit, a practice explicitly forbidden by God, thereby revealing the tragic depths of his spiritual abandonment and his willingness to defy divine commands for perceived strategic advantage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a critical turning point in the tragic decline of King Saul's reign, immediately following a period of intense despair and God's absolute silence. The preceding verses vividly portray the overwhelming Philistine military might gathered at Shunem and Saul's profound fear, which caused his heart to tremble greatly, as described in [1 Samuel 28:5](/1_samuel/28-5 "1 Samuel 28:5 - Saul's Great Fear of the Philistines"). Crucially, God had ceased to answer Saul through any legitimate means: neither by dreams, nor by Urim (the priestly oracle), nor by prophets, as explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul"). This divine abandonment, a direct consequence of Saul's persistent disobedience and God's earlier rejection of him as king, drives him to seek a forbidden, illicit alternative. The irony is particularly stark, given that Saul himself had previously demonstrated zeal by outlawing and purging mediums and familiar spirits from the land, as noted in [1 Samuel 28:3](/1_samuel/28-3 "1 Samuel 28:3 - Saul's Earlier Purge of Mediums"). His nocturnal visit and elaborate disguise underscore the shame, secrecy, and profound hypocrisy inherent in his actions, setting the ominous stage for the dramatic and ultimately disastrous encounter that unfolds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Within the broader Ancient Near Eastern world, various forms of divination, including necromancy (consulting the dead) and spiritism, were common and widely practiced among surrounding nations. However, the Mosaic Law, which formed the bedrock of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, unequivocally condemned such practices as detestable abominations. Passages like [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices") and [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Prohibition Against Mediums") explicitly forbid consulting mediums, familiar spirits, or the dead, associating these acts with idolatry, paganism, and a turning away from the one true God. The theological rationale was clear: God alone is the sovereign source of all revelation, wisdom, and guidance. Seeking counsel from any other source, especially those associated with the demonic realm or pagan deities, was considered a profound affront to His unique sovereignty, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. Saul's desperate act, therefore, was not merely a personal moral failing but a grave violation of the covenant, a public rejection of God's prescribed means of communication, and a descent into the very practices he was divinely commanded to eradicate.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal passage powerfully illustrates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **desperation leading to disobedience** is central, demonstrating how intense fear and a perceived lack of divine guidance can tragically compel even a king to defy God's explicit commands. Saul's actions serve as a chilling example of what transpires when human panic and self-reliance override faith and obedience to divine law. Secondly, the theme of **hypocrisy and profound spiritual decline** is vividly portrayed, as Saul, who once enforced God's law against mediums, now secretly seeks one out, revealing the extent of his moral and spiritual decay. His willingness to abandon fundamental principles for a semblance of control or information highlights a catastrophic loss of his moral and spiritual compass. Thirdly, the theme of **forbidden practices** is underscored, serving as a stark biblical warning against necromancy and any form of divination, emphasizing their detestable nature to the Lord and their inherent danger to spiritual well-being. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of the **consequences of rejecting God's authority**, as Saul's persistent rebellion, particularly his earlier disobedience regarding the Amalekites as detailed in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rebellion and Rejection of God's Word"), culminates in this desperate, illicit act, foreshadowing his impending doom and demonstrating the severe and irreversible repercussions of turning away from the Lord's will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Disguised (Hebrew, _châphas'_):** From the primitive root H2664, meaning "to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e. let be sought), or mask; change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out)." In this context, it emphasizes Saul's deliberate and active effort to hide his royal identity. This act of concealment is not merely practical but deeply symbolic, reflecting his shame, fear of discovery, and the profound hypocrisy of seeking a practice he had himself outlawed. It underscores his fallen state, a king reduced to secrecy and deception.
* **Familiar Spirit (Hebrew, _ʼôwb'_):** From H178, meaning "from the same as אָב (apparently through the idea of prattling a father's name); properly, a mumble, i.e. a water skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar); bottle, familiar spirit." This term refers to a medium or necromancer who was believed to be possessed by a spirit or to conjure the spirits of the dead. The Hebrew word itself can refer to a leather bottle, possibly indicating the ventriloquial sound associated with such spirits, as if speaking from the ground or from within the medium. It denotes a spirit of divination or sorcery and is consistently condemned throughout the Old Testament as an abomination to God, representing a direct channel to demonic forces rather than divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment":** This opening clause immediately establishes the clandestine and illicit nature of Saul's mission. His disguise signifies his desperate attempt to evade recognition and the legal consequences of his actions, as well as the profound shame associated with his desperate act. It underscores his fallen state, a once-anointed king now resorting to deception. The "other raiment" (H312, H899) suggests a deliberate change from royal attire to common clothing, further emphasizing his desire for anonymity.
* **"and he went, and two men with him":** Saul's decision to bring two men (H582) suggests a need for security, witnesses, or perhaps moral support, though their presence also means his forbidden act is not entirely private. Their journey ("went," H3212) implies a deliberate and purposeful undertaking, despite its illicit nature.
* **"and they came to the woman by night":** The arrival ("came," H935) at night (H3915) powerfully reinforces the clandestine nature of the visit. The "woman" (H802) is specifically identified as a medium (implied by the subsequent request), located in Endor, a place likely chosen for its remoteness and the medium's reputation for operating outside the king's previous purge. The darkness of night symbolizes the moral and spiritual darkness of Saul's actions.
* **"and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit":** This is Saul's direct and desperate request, revealing his intent. "Divine unto me" (H7080, _qâçam_) means to practice divination or enchantment. He explicitly asks the woman to use her "familiar spirit" (H178, _ʼôwb_), acknowledging her forbidden power and his desperate reliance on it. This is a direct and egregious violation of God's commands against such practices.
* **"and bring me [him] up, whom I shall name unto thee.":** This final clause specifies Saul's precise objective: to conjure a particular individual (H5927, _ʻâlâh_ - to ascend, bring up) from the dead. The bracketed "him" in the KJV text clarifies that Saul intends to name a specific person, which, as the narrative unfolds, is the prophet Samuel. This demonstrates Saul's desperate desire for guidance from a source he once respected and trusted, even if it means resorting to necromancy, a practice anathema to Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich in **Irony**, as Saul, who had previously purged the land of mediums and familiar spirits ([1 Samuel 28:3](/1_samuel/28-3 "1 Samuel 28:3 - Saul's Earlier Purge of Mediums")), now seeks one out in his utter desperation. This highlights his profound spiritual decline, hypocrisy, and the tragic reversal of his earlier, more obedient stance. The setting of "by night" serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only the secrecy and illicit nature of the encounter but also the moral and spiritual darkness into which Saul has descended. This nocturnal setting also creates palpable **Dramatic Tension**, as the reader anticipates the forbidden encounter and its ominous, divinely condemned implications. The entire scene functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, as Saul's desperate act of defiance against God's explicit law directly precedes and sets the stage for his ultimate defeat and death in the subsequent chapter, underscoring the severe and inevitable consequences of rejecting divine authority and seeking counsel from forbidden sources.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Saul's desperate turn to a familiar spirit is a profound theological statement on the dangers of seeking guidance outside of God's prescribed will. When God's legitimate channels of communication (prophets, dreams, Urim) are closed due to persistent disobedience and unrepentant sin, human beings are often tempted to resort to illicit and forbidden means. This can manifest not only as overt occult practices but also through more subtle forms of ungodly counsel, manipulative spiritual practices, or a desperate pursuit of signs and wonders that bypass the steady work of prayer, Scripture study, and faithful community. This passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the futility of human attempts to force or manipulate spiritual revelation. It highlights that true wisdom and guidance come only from humble submission to God's word and patient waiting upon Him, even in times of perceived silence or overwhelming difficulty. Saul's actions serve as a stark warning against spiritual shortcuts and the profound spiritual dangers of seeking power or knowledge from sources other than the Lord, emphasizing that such actions constitute a profound betrayal of covenant loyalty.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Prohibition Against Mediums")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's tragic story in 1 Samuel 28:8 offers a sobering and timeless mirror for believers today. In moments of intense fear, confusion, or perceived divine silence, the temptation to seek guidance from sources outside God's revealed will can be incredibly strong. This might not manifest as literal necromancy but could appear as an over-reliance on worldly wisdom, ungodly counsel from friends or media, manipulative spiritual practices, or even a desperate pursuit of signs and wonders that bypass the steady, patient work of prayer, diligent Scripture study, and faithful community. Saul's ultimate demise reminds us that true peace, genuine guidance, and lasting security come only from abiding in God's will and trusting His sovereign control, even when circumstances are bleak and immediate answers are not apparent. It calls us to cultivate a deep, unwavering dependence on God, to patiently wait on Him, and to consistently seek His face through His infallible Word and persistent prayer, rather than resorting to any "familiar spirit" that promises quick fixes, illicit knowledge, or a sense of control apart from Him. Our desperation should drive us *to* God, not away from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel God is silent or when circumstances are overwhelming and fear begins to take hold?**
* **What are some modern-day "familiar spirits" or forbidden shortcuts that I might be tempted to turn to for guidance, comfort, or control, rather than seeking God's will?**
* **How does Saul's story encourage me to deepen my trust in God's perfect timing and His prescribed methods for seeking His will, even when the path is unclear?**
* **In what practical ways can I proactively cultivate a greater reliance on prayer, diligent Scripture study, and the counsel of godly community when facing difficult decisions or spiritual dryness?**

### FAQ
**Why was consulting a familiar spirit so strictly forbidden in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Consulting a familiar spirit, or any form of necromancy or divination, was strictly forbidden in ancient Israel for several profound theological reasons, rooted in God's unique nature and His covenant with His people. Firstly, it represented a direct act of idolatry, a turning away from Yahweh, the one true God, to seek guidance or power from other sources, which were often associated with demonic entities or false gods ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). God alone is the source of all true revelation and wisdom, and seeking counsel elsewhere was a profound affront to His sovereignty and exclusivity. Secondly, it was seen as an attempt to manipulate the spiritual realm or gain knowledge through illicit means, bypassing God's sovereign control and His established ways of communication (prophets, dreams, Urim). This demonstrated a lack of trust in God's provision and timing. Thirdly, such practices often involved deception and led people astray, drawing them into spiritual darkness and away from the light of God's truth. Finally, it dishonored the dead and violated the sacred boundary between life and death, a boundary established and maintained by God. The Old Testament consistently portrays these practices as detestable to the Lord, warning of severe consequences for those who engaged in them, even death ([Leviticus 20:6](/leviticus/20-6 "Leviticus 20:6 - Consequences for Consulting Mediums")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's desperate and disobedient act of seeking a familiar spirit stands in stark, illuminating contrast to the perfect obedience and divine authority of Jesus Christ. Saul, the failed king, sought to conjure a dead prophet for guidance, revealing his spiritual bankruptcy and the futility of human efforts to manipulate spiritual realities. In Christ, however, we find the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, who truly speaks the words of God and needs no familiar spirit to reveal truth. Unlike Saul, who was abandoned by God due to his rebellion and persistent sin, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross, thereby securing for us true access to God and His boundless wisdom. Where Saul's act was a descent into darkness and a profound violation of God's law, Christ is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who dispels the shadows of sin, deception, and spiritual ignorance. He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who leads His sheep, providing clear, life-giving guidance and protection, unlike the deceptive whispers of familiar spirits. Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Christ has broken the power of darkness, sin, and evil spirits, offering us freedom from their influence and establishing a direct, unhindered relationship with God. He sends the [Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Holy Spirit Guides into Truth") and reveals the deep things of God, making the forbidden practices of Saul's era utterly obsolete for the believer. Thus, Saul's tragic search for a false oracle ultimately points to Christ as the only true source of life, wisdom, and peace, the one who gives us [access to the Father](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ") and the [Spirit of truth](/john/14-17 "John 14:17 - The Spirit of Truth") to navigate life's darkest moments.

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

Isaiah 8:19

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?

1 Chronicles 10:13

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];

2 Chronicles 18:29

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

1 Kings 22:30

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.

2 Chronicles 35:22

Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deuteronomy 18:11

Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.