1 Samuel 28:24

And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded [it], and did bake unleavened bread thereof:

And the woman {H802} had a fat {H4770} calf {H5695} in the house {H1004}; and she hasted {H4116}, and killed {H2076} it, and took {H3947} flour {H7058}, and kneaded {H3888} it, and did bake {H644} unleavened bread {H4682} thereof:

The woman had a fattened calf in the house; she hurried to slaughter it; then she took flour, kneaded it and baked matzah with it.

The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.

And the woman had a fatted calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it; and she took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:

Commentary

1 Samuel 28:24 describes a compassionate act of hospitality amidst King Saul's profound distress. After the disturbing encounter with the medium of Endor, and the grim prophecy delivered by the spirit of Samuel regarding his imminent demise and the transfer of the kingdom to David, Saul was utterly drained and without strength.

Context

This verse follows directly from the shocking revelation that Saul and his sons would die in battle the next day (1 Samuel 28:19). Overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion, Saul had fallen to the ground. The woman, a medium whom Saul had previously sought to eliminate from the land, now shows him immense kindness. She sees his desperate state and insists on providing him with food to restore his strength before he departs. This act of hospitality highlights a deep-seated cultural value, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Hospitality: The woman's immediate action to "haste" and prepare a meal for Saul demonstrates a profound sense of compassion and biblical hospitality, even towards one who had persecuted her kind. This echoes the broader biblical principle of caring for strangers and those in need (Romans 12:13).
  • Desperation and Humiliation: The once-powerful King Saul, who should have been sustained by God, is now reliant on a marginalized woman for basic sustenance, a stark picture of his spiritual and physical decline.
  • A Sustaining Meal: The "fat calf" signifies a substantial and honorable meal, typically reserved for special guests or significant occasions, such as the return of the prodigal son. This indicates the woman's generosity and desire to truly nourish him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fat calf" (Hebrew: egel marbeq) refers to a calf that has been specially fattened, indicating it is prime for slaughter and would provide a rich, substantial meal. This was a significant offering of food. "Hasted" emphasizes the woman's urgency and promptness in serving, showing her care and concern for Saul's immediate needs. The "unleavened bread" (Hebrew: matzot) was quick to prepare, as it did not require time for leavening, making it suitable for a rapid meal in an emergency situation.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson in human compassion. Even when facing a personal threat or holding grievances, the woman chose to extend care to a broken man. It reminds us that empathy and practical help can transcend difficult circumstances and personal histories. It highlights the importance of providing for basic human needs, even when spiritual or moral failings are evident. The woman's actions serve as a testament to the enduring human capacity for kindness, even in the shadow of impending doom and divine judgment upon Saul.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 15:23 (3 votes)

    And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry:

  • Genesis 18:7 (2 votes)

    And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave [it] unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

  • Genesis 18:8 (2 votes)

    And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set [it] before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.