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.
In due time the P'lishtim assembled their armies for war against Isra'el. Akhish told David, "You know, of course, that you and your men will join me and the army in battle."
David answered Akhish, "I see that you already know what your servant will do."Akhish said to David, "For that answer, I am making you my personal bodyguard for life."
Now Sh'mu'el was dead; all Isra'el had mourned him and buried him in his city, Ramah. Also Sha'ul had expelled from the land those who tell the future by communicating with the dead or with a demonic spirit.
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."
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."
The woman answered, "Here, you know what Sha'ul did, how he expelled from the land those who tell the future by communicating with the dead or with a demonic spirit. Why are you trying to entrap me into causing my own death?"
He asked her, "What does he look like?" She said, "An old man is coming up; he's wearing a cloak." Sha'ul realized it was Sh'mu'el, so he bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.
Sh'mu'el asked Sha'ul, "Why have you disturbed me and brought me up?" Sha'ul answered, "I'm very upset; because the P'lishtim are making war against me; and God has left me and doesn't answer me any more, neither by prophets nor by dreams. This is why I've called you, so that you can let me know what to do."
ADONAI is giving Isra'el as well as yourself over into the power of the P'lishtim, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. ADONAI will hand over Isra'el's army to the power of the P'lishtim."
Sha'ul immediately fell full length on the ground and became terribly frightened because of what Sh'mu'el had said. He had no strength left in him, for he had eaten nothing all that day and night.
The woman approached Sha'ul, saw that he was panic-stricken and said to him, "Here, your servant listened to what you said; I put my life in my hands and did what you requested me to do.
Now therefore, please, you listen to what your servant says: let me put a little food in front of you; then eat, so you will have some strength when you go on your way."
But he refused and said, "I won't eat."Then his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he heeded what they said. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed.
She served it to Sha'ul and his servants, and they ate. Afterwards, they got up; and they went away that night.
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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