|
1 At that time the Philistines had gathered their army to fight against Israel. Then Achish said to David, |You need to know that you and your men will be going with me into battle.| 2 |Very well,| David responded to Achish, |you will then know what I can do.| |Very well,| Achish told David, |I will make you my bodyguard for life.| 3 Meanwhile, Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his hometown Ramah. (Saul had rid the land of mediums and psychics.) 4 The Philistines assembled and camped in Shunem. Saul also assembled the whole Israelite army, and they camped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul looked at the Philistine army, he was very afraid-terrified. 6 He prayed to the LORD, but the LORD didn't answer him through dreams, the Urim, or prophets. 7 Saul told his officers, |Find me a woman who conjures up the dead. Then I'll go to her and ask for her services.| His officers told him, |There is a woman at Endor who conjures up the dead.| 8 After disguising himself by putting on other clothes, Saul left with two men and came to the woman that night. He said to her, |Please consult with a dead person for me. Conjure up the person I request.| 9 The woman told him, |You know that Saul rid the land of mediums and psychics. Why are you trying to trap me and have me killed?| 10 But Saul took an oath in the LORD's name, |I solemnly swear, as the LORD lives, you will not be harmed if you do this.| 11 |Whom should I conjure up for you?| the woman asked. |Conjure up Samuel for me,| he answered. 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out loudly and asked, |Why did you deceive me? You're Saul!| 13 |Don't be afraid,| the king said to her. |What do you see?| |I see a god rising from the ground,| the woman answered. 14 |In what form?| he asked her. She answered, |An old man is coming up, and he's wearing a robe.| Then Saul knew it was Samuel. Saul knelt down with his face touching the ground. 15 Samuel asked Saul, |Why did you disturb me by conjuring me up?| Saul answered, |I'm in serious trouble. The Philistines are at war with me, and God has turned against me and doesn't answer me anymore-either by the prophets or in dreams. So I've called on you to tell me what to do.| 16 Samuel said, |Why are you asking me when the LORD has turned against you and become your enemy? 1 Samuel 28:1-16, God's Word Translation. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations.
|
