1 Samuel 28: Saul Consults Witch of Endor

Introduction: The 1 Samuel 28 provides an intriguing account of King Saul’s spiritual desperation and his ultimate demise. The chapter’s main theme revolves around Saul’s consultation with a medium, or witch, in the town of Endor, against God’s explicit commandments. The chapter demonstrates the consequences of disobedience, as well as the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all things.  

I. Saul’s Desperation (1 Samuel 28:3-5)

Saul’s desperation is evident as he prepares for battle against the Philistines. He was deeply troubled when he saw the Philistine army and sought the Lord’s guidance. However, due to his disobedience, God did not answer him. Samuel, God’s prophet, was dead, and Saul had driven out of the land those who could consult the spirits (Leviticus 20:6). Saul’s actions were contrary to Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which strictly prohibits divination and consulting with the dead.  

II. Saul’s Disobedience (1 Samuel 28:7-10)

Despite knowing God’s prohibition against consulting mediums, Saul deliberately chose to seek advice from a witch in Endor. This action was a blatant disregard of God’s commandment in Exodus 22:18 and Deuteronomy 18:10, which forbade the practice of witchcraft. With his spiritual discernment clouded, Saul was unable to recognize his disobedience and the potential consequences of his actions.  

III. Saul’s Consultation with the Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:11-14)

In this section, Saul asked the witch to bring up the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This event was a direct violation of Deuteronomy 18:11, which explicitly forbids anyone from consulting the dead. This act symbolizes Saul’s spiritual downfall as he sought help from a forbidden source, instead of trusting in God (Psalm 118:8).  

IV. Samuel’s prophecy of Saul’s Doom (1 Samuel 28:15-19)

Samuel’s apparition gave Saul a prophecy of his doom, stating that God had torn the kingdom out of Saul’s hands and given it to David because of his disobedience. This passage is a clear reference to 1 Samuel 15:28 when Samuel first prophesied Saul’s downfall. Samuel further prophesied that the Israelites would be defeated by the Philistines, and Saul and his sons would die (1 Samuel 28:19). This prophecy is a reiteration of the consequences of disobedience found in Deuteronomy 28:15.  

V. Saul’s Fear and Despair (1 Samuel 28:20-25)

Saul was filled with fear and despair after hearing Samuel’s prophecy. This section illustrates the psychological and spiritual consequences of disobedience. Saul’s fear parallels the fear felt by Adam and Eve after their disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:10). His despair shares similar sentiments with Judas Iscariot’s in Matthew 27:3-5, who also felt remorse and despair after betraying Jesus.  

Conclusion: 1 Samuel 28 paints a vivid picture of the consequences of disobedience and the danger of seeking guidance from forbidden sources. Saul’s consultation with the witch of Endor and the subsequent prophecy of his doom serve as a strong warning against defying God’s commandments. This chapter compels us to seek God’s guidance in all circumstances, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God’s commands.

You might be interested in exploring more about the biblical story of Saul and his consultation with the Witch of Endor. Speaking of “spiritual desperation”, you might find the article on Witch of Endor on Wikipedia quite insightful. It delves deeper into the biblical account and provides additional historical and cultural context surrounding this intriguing event. Additionally, if you want to understand more about the consequences of disobedience and seeking forbidden sources, you can check out the article on Disobedience which sheds light on the broader concept and problems for people who seek soothsayers advice.