1 Samuel 28:11

"Whom shall I bring up for you?" the woman asked. "Bring up Samuel," he replied.

Study Bible

Then the woman asked
This phrase introduces the medium, often referred to as the witch of Endor, who is approached by King Saul. The Hebrew word for "woman" here is "ishah," which simply denotes a female, but in this context, it refers to a woman practicing necromancy, a practice forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The historical context reveals that Saul had previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), highlighting his desperation and departure from God's commands.

Whom shall I bring up for you?
The phrase "bring up" is translated from the Hebrew word "alah," which means to ascend or to bring forth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was believed that the dead resided in Sheol, a shadowy place beneath the earth. The medium's question implies a belief in the ability to summon spirits from this realm, a practice that was both feared and condemned in Israelite culture.

Bring up Samuel
Saul's request to "bring up Samuel" is significant. Samuel, the last judge of Israel and a prophet, had been Saul's spiritual guide. The Hebrew name "Samuel" means "heard of God," reflecting his role as a divinely appointed leader. Saul's desire to consult Samuel, even after his death, underscores his desperation and the absence of divine guidance in his life. This act of seeking Samuel through a medium is a stark contrast to Saul's earlier reliance on God through Samuel's prophetic ministry.

he replied
The phrase "he replied" indicates Saul's direct response to the medium's question. This interaction highlights Saul's state of mind—he is willing to violate God's law to seek guidance. The historical context of Saul's reign shows a king who started with divine favor but gradually fell into disobedience and spiritual decline. This moment is a culmination of Saul's failure to seek God through legitimate means, such as prayer or the counsel of living prophets, reflecting a broader theme of the consequences of turning away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance in a time of desperation. His actions in this chapter reflect his spiritual decline and disobedience to God.

2. The Medium at Endor
A woman who practices necromancy, which was forbidden in Israel. Saul seeks her out to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel.

3. Samuel
The deceased prophet whom Saul wishes to consult. Samuel had been a significant spiritual leader and advisor to Saul during his reign.

4. Endor
A location in ancient Israel where the medium resided. Saul visits this place secretly, as consulting mediums was against God's law.

5. The Philistines
The enemies of Israel, whose impending attack prompts Saul to seek guidance through forbidden means.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's decision to consult a medium reflects his ongoing disobedience to God. This serves as a warning about the spiritual consequences of turning away from God's commands.

Seeking God in Times of Trouble
Instead of seeking forbidden practices, believers are encouraged to turn to God in prayer and scripture for guidance during difficult times.

The Dangers of Desperation
Desperation can lead to poor decision-making. It's crucial to remain steadfast in faith and trust in God's timing and wisdom.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Samuel's role as a spiritual leader highlights the importance of having godly mentors and advisors in our lives.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
Despite Saul's attempts to control his situation, God's sovereignty and judgment prevail. This reminds us of the futility of trying to circumvent God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Saul's decision to consult a medium reveal about his spiritual state, and how can we guard against similar spiritual decline in our own lives?

2. How does the prohibition against necromancy in Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12 apply to modern practices that might be considered similar?

3. In what ways can we seek God's guidance during times of uncertainty, and how can we ensure that our methods align with biblical teachings?

4. Reflect on a time when desperation led to a poor decision. How can we learn from Saul's example to make better choices in the future?

5. How can we identify and cultivate relationships with spiritual mentors who can provide godly counsel and guidance in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:31
This verse forbids turning to mediums and spiritists, highlighting Saul's disobedience to God's commands.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
These verses explicitly prohibit necromancy and other forms of divination, emphasizing the seriousness of Saul's actions.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's earlier rebuke of Saul for disobedience, which sets the stage for Saul's continued spiritual decline.