1 Samuel 28:13
"Do not be afraid," the king replied. "What do you see?" "I see a god coming up out of the earth," the woman answered.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 28:13?

2. How does 1 Samuel 28:13 illustrate the dangers of seeking guidance outside God?

3. What does Saul's fear of the "spirit" reveal about his spiritual state?

4. How does this passage connect with Deuteronomy 18:10-12 on forbidden practices?

5. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Saul's encounter in 1 Samuel 28?

6. How can we ensure our guidance comes from God, not forbidden sources?

7. How could Saul communicate with Samuel if necromancy is condemned in the Bible?

8. Does 1 Samuel 28:13 suggest the existence of an afterlife?

9. Why did God allow the medium to summon Samuel in 1 Samuel 28:13?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 28?

11. Does the account of an active spirit world in 1 Samuel 28:13–19 conflict with other passages that deny or forbid communicating with the dead?

12. What is the Gospel of the Kingdom about?

13. In Leviticus 20:27, how does the death sentence for mediums and spiritists reconcile with the Bible’s own instances of sanctioned supernatural encounters (e.g., 1 Samuel 28)?

14. Psalm 39:6 - Does the claim that everyone is merely a 'phantom' contradict historical evidence of lasting human achievements?
Discussion Questions
1. What does Saul's decision to consult a medium reveal about his spiritual state and relationship with God?

2. How does this passage challenge us to consider the sources we turn to for guidance and wisdom in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that fear does not lead us away from God's commands and into disobedience?

4. How does the prohibition against necromancy in the Old Testament apply to modern-day practices and beliefs?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can this passage encourage you to seek Him faithfully, even in silence?1. Why do you think God chose not to respond to Saul's pleas?

2. How does Saul's spiritual desperation reflect in his actions? Can you recall any moment in your life when you felt similar desperation?

3. What are the dangers of seeking spiritual guidance outside of God, as Saul did?

4. How does this chapter illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

5. In what ways does the character of the Witch of Endor defy expectations?

6. How does the prophecy of Samuel highlight the sovereignty of God over life and death?

7. Saul was rejected by God for his disobedience. How can we ensure obedience in our lives to avoid such consequences?

8. How does Saul's fear manifest throughout the chapter? How does it affect his judgment?

9. How do you interpret the witch's act of kindness in feeding Saul and his servants? What does it teach about compassion?

10. How does the prophecy from Samuel affect Saul's morale and his mindset? What might this suggest about the power of words and prophecies?

11. If you were in Saul's position, what would you have done differently?

12. How might this chapter serve as a warning for believers in the present day?

13. In a contemporary context, what might be considered similar to Saul consulting the medium?

14. How should we handle moments when it seems like God isn't answering our prayers?

15. Discuss how this chapter presents human fear and uncertainty. How can we navigate through our fears in our spiritual journey?

16. How can one uphold their faith in situations where God seems silent?

17. In the modern world, we often face choices similar to Saul's. How can we ensure we make choices in line with God's will in our lives?

18. Discuss the role of prophets in biblical times using Samuel as an example. What can we learn from them today?

19. What lessons can we learn from Saul's downfall for our spiritual journey?

20. This chapter depicts the outcomes of spiritual desperation. How can we prevent ourselves from reaching a state of spiritual desperation?

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