1 Samuel 28:23

But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.

But he refused {H3985}, and said {H559}, I will not eat {H398}. But his servants {H5650}, together with the woman {H802}, compelled {H6555} him; and he hearkened {H8085} unto their voice {H6963}. So he arose {H6965} from the earth {H776}, and sat {H3427} upon the bed {H4296}.

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.

Saul refused, saying, โ€œI will not eat.โ€ 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.

But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.

Commentary

1 Samuel 28:23 captures a poignant moment in King Saul's final hours, illustrating his profound despair and physical exhaustion after receiving a devastating prophecy.

Context

This verse immediately follows Saul's illicit consultation with the medium of Endor. Desperate for guidance because God had ceased to answer him (1 Samuel 28:6), Saul sought out a woman who could conjure spirits, despite having previously outlawed such practices (1 Samuel 28:3). The spirit of Samuel appeared and delivered a chilling message: God had abandoned Saul, the kingdom would be torn from him and given to David, and Saul and his sons would die in battle against the Philistines the very next day (1 Samuel 28:19). This prophecy completely overwhelmed Saul, causing him to collapse to the ground, utterly drained and without food for a day and a night. His refusal to eat reflects his extreme mental and physical distress, a man utterly broken by divine judgment and the impending doom.

Key Themes

  • Profound Despair and Exhaustion: Saul's refusal to eat and his prostrate position on the ground highlight the depth of his physical and emotional collapse. The weight of Samuel's prophecy, confirming God's rejection and his imminent death, utterly crushed him.
  • Human Compassion: The servants and the woman, despite Saul's royal authority, show compassion and concern for his well-being. They understand that he needs sustenance to face the inevitable, compelling him to eat out of genuine care.
  • Reluctant Compliance: Saul's eventual agreement to eat ("he hearkened unto their voice") shows a flicker of submission, perhaps recognizing the practical necessity or simply being too weak to resist further. It's a moment where basic human need overrides his spiritual agony.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The entire narrative leading to this verse underscores the severe consequences of Saul's persistent disobedience and rebellion against God's commands, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall and desperate measures.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase for "compelled him" (ื•ึทื™ึผึดืคึฐืจึฐืฆื•ึผึพื‘ึนื•ึ™ - vayyifretzu-vo) literally means "they broke through upon him" or "they pressed upon him." It conveys a strong sense of urgency and persistence on the part of the servants and the woman, indicating they were not merely suggesting but actively insisting that Saul eat due to his critical condition. This highlights their determined effort to restore his strength, even if only for a short while.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • The Importance of Sustenance in Crisis: Even in the deepest spiritual or emotional distress, basic physical needs must often be addressed. Sometimes, simply taking care of one's body can provide a minimal foundation for confronting overwhelming circumstances.
  • Compassion for the Despairing: Just as Saul's companions showed compassion, we are called to minister to those who are overwhelmed by despair, offering practical help and support without judgment.
  • The Weight of Consequences: Saul's tragic state serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn consequences that can follow persistent disobedience to God's will. While God is merciful, there are often natural and spiritual repercussions for choices that lead us away from Him. Understanding God's character and His call to obedience can be found in verses like Deuteronomy 30:19, which speaks of choosing life.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 21:4 (3 votes)

    And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.

  • 2 Kings 5:13 (2 votes)

    And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

  • Proverbs 25:20 (2 votes)

    ยถ [As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon nitre, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

  • Luke 14:23 (2 votes)

    And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

  • Luke 24:29 (2 votes)

    But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:14 (2 votes)

    For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

  • 2 Kings 4:8 (2 votes)

    ยถ And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where [was] a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And [so] it was, [that] as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.