1 Samuel 28:1-16 ▼

1 Now in those days the Philistines (immigrants) gathered their forces for warfare against Israel (he wrestles with God). So Achish (I will blacken) said to David (beloved), “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.”

2 David (beloved) replied (I will blacken), “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”

3 Now by this time Samuel (his name is El) had died, and all Israel (he wrestles with God) had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah (hill), his own city. And Saul (desired) had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.

4 The Philistines (immigrants) gathered together and camped at Shunem (double resting place), while Saul (desired) gathered all Israel (he wrestles with God) and camped at Gilboa (swollen heap).

5 When Saul (desired) saw the Philistine (immigrants) army, he was afraid and trembled violently.

6 He inquired (desired) of the LORD {YHWH}, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim \Lights/ or prophets.

7 Then Saul (desired) said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor (fountain of Dor),” his servants replied.

8 So Saul (desired) 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.”

9 But the woman replied, “Surely you know what Saul (desired) has done, how he has killed the mediums and spiritists in the land. Why have you set a trap to get me killed?”

10 Then Saul (desired) swore to her by the LORD {YHWH}: “As surely as the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this.”

11 “Whom shall I bring up for you?” the woman asked. “Bring up Samuel (his name is El),” he replied.

12 But when the woman saw Samuel (his name is El), she cried out in a loud voice and said to Saul (desired), “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!”

13 “Do not be afraid,” the king replied. “What do you see?” “I see a god (I see a spirit) coming up out of the earth,” the woman (desired) answered.

14 “What does he look like?” asked Saul. “An old man is coming up,” she replied. “And he is wearing a robe.” So Saul (desired) knew that it was Samuel (his name is El), and he bowed facedown in reverence.

15 Then Samuel (his name is El) said to Saul (desired), “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines (immigrants) are fighting against me, and God {Elohim} 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.”

16 “Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel (his name is El), “since the LORD {YHWH} has turned away from you and become your enemy?