As the Philistines prepare for war against Israel, King Saul is filled with great fear, for the LORD does not answer him through dreams, Urim, or prophets. In desperation, Saul disguises himself and seeks a woman with a familiar spirit at Endor to inquire of Samuel. The woman brings forth Samuel, who delivers a dire prophecy, confirming that the kingdom has been torn from Saul and that he and his sons will die in battle the next day.
Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.”
Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.
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.”
But the woman replied, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has killed the mediums and spiritists in the land. Why have you set a trap to get me killed?”
“What does he look like?” asked Saul. “An old man is coming up,” she replied. “And he is wearing a robe.” So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence.
Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”
Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”
Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground, terrified by the words of Samuel. And his strength was gone, because he had not eaten anything all that day and night.
When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was, she said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. I took my life in my hands and did as you told me.
Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed.
She served it to Saul and his servants, and they ate. And that night they got up and left.
Study Notes for 1 Samuel 28
Verse 1
This verse sets the stage for the final conflict and highlights David’s morally complicated position; he is now obligated to Achish, his protector, to fight against his own people, Israel.
Verse 2
David’s response is deliberately ambiguous. He avoids explicitly promising to fight Israel while simultaneously assuring Achish that he will demonstrate his loyalty and usefulness, a calculated political maneuver.
Verse 3
This verse is crucial context. Samuel, the legitimate prophetic voice, is dead. Saul’s earlier righteous act of purging mediums (Deut. 18:10-12) creates the dramatic irony for his subsequent transgression.
Verse 5
Saul's intense fear and trembling demonstrate his complete lack of faith and spiritual isolation. Unlike earlier battles where God gave him confidence, this terror confirms his separation from divine support.
Verse 6
Saul attempts to use the three legitimate methods of divine inquiry: dreams, Urim (via the high priest’s breastplate), and prophets. God’s silence confirms the finality of Saul’s rejection.
Verse 7
Having been rejected by God through legitimate means, Saul resorts to the practice of necromancy, a capital offense under the Mosaic Law. This act marks the final stage of his spiritual apostasy.
Verse 8
Saul disguises himself to evade his own decree against mediums. His request to 'bring him up' refers to the forbidden practice of consulting the dead (necromancy) through the familiar spirit.
Verse 11
Saul calls for Samuel, illustrating his desperate need for the guidance of the prophet he had previously dishonored and ignored. Samuel represents the last vestige of legitimate authority for Saul.
Verse 12
The woman’s loud cry suggests that the appearance of Samuel was genuine and unexpected, exceeding the limits of her usual magical manipulations or deception; she was genuinely terrified by the powerful manifestation.
Verse 13
The term 'gods' (*elohim*) here refers to a majestic or powerful divine being/spirit. This description emphasizes the supernatural, awe-inspiring nature of the figure ascending from the earth.
Verse 14
Samuel is identified by his 'mantle' (*me’il*), the traditional robe signifying his prophetic office. Saul’s act of bowing acknowledges Samuel’s enduring authority, even in death.
Verse 15
Samuel’s question, 'Why hast thou disquieted me?' implies that the dead are in a state of rest and should not be disturbed. Saul confesses his distress and God’s total abandonment of him.
Verse 18
Samuel reiterates that Saul’s rejection stems from his failure to obey the Lord concerning the Amalekites (cf. 1 Sam 15). This specific act of disobedience serves as the ultimate justification for the removal of the kingdom.
Verse 19
This is a devastating, immediate prophecy, predicting not only Israel’s defeat but the death of Saul and his sons ('shalt thou and thy sons be with me') on the very next day.
Verse 20
Saul’s physical collapse reflects the psychological and spiritual finality of the judgment. The prophecy of immediate death leaves him stripped of all strength and hope.
Verse 23
Saul’s refusal to eat and subsequent compulsion by his servants and the woman demonstrates his utter despair and loss of will. He is now passive, waiting for his inevitable fate.
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The Calling of Disciples
19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
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