1 Samuel 28:14

"What does he look like?" asked Saul. "An old man is coming up," she replied. "And he is wearing a robe." So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence.

Study Bible

What does he look like?
This question from Saul reveals his desperation and curiosity. In the Hebrew context, the act of seeking a medium was strictly forbidden (Leviticus 19:31), yet Saul's fear and desperation led him to inquire about the appearance of the spirit. This reflects a moment of spiritual blindness and disobedience, as Saul turns away from God's guidance to seek forbidden knowledge.

asked Saul
Saul, the first king of Israel, is depicted here in a state of fear and uncertainty. His inquiry to the medium signifies a departure from his earlier reliance on God. Historically, Saul's reign began with promise but was marred by disobedience and rejection of God's commands, leading to his downfall.

An old man is coming up
The medium's description of Samuel as "an old man" aligns with the prophet's known appearance during his lifetime. In Hebrew culture, age was often associated with wisdom and authority. This phrase suggests the continuity of Samuel's identity beyond death, emphasizing the belief in life after death and the enduring nature of God's servants.

she replied
The medium's response indicates her role as an intermediary between the living and the dead, a practice condemned in Israelite law. Her ability to perceive the spirit world contrasts with Saul's spiritual blindness, highlighting the consequences of his disobedience.

And he is wearing a robe
The robe is a significant symbol in the Hebrew Scriptures, often representing authority and prophetic office. Samuel's robe is mentioned earlier in 1 Samuel 15:27-28, where Saul tears it, symbolizing the kingdom being torn from him. Here, the robe reaffirms Samuel's prophetic authority even in death.

Then Saul knew that it was Samuel
Saul's recognition of Samuel signifies a moment of clarity amidst his spiritual confusion. Despite his disobedience, Saul still acknowledges the authority and identity of God's prophet. This recognition underscores the enduring impact of Samuel's ministry and the reality of divine truth.

and he bowed facedown in reverence
Saul's act of bowing facedown is a gesture of respect and submission, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures when encountering a figure of authority. This act of reverence, however, is tinged with irony, as Saul shows respect to Samuel in death that he often failed to show in life. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence to God and His messengers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance in desperation as he faces the Philistine army.

2. Samuel
The prophet who anointed Saul as king, now deceased, whom Saul seeks to consult through a medium.

3. Medium at Endor
A woman who practices necromancy, whom Saul visits to summon the spirit of Samuel.

4. Endor
A location in ancient Israel where Saul visits the medium, despite having previously banned such practices.

5. Philistine Army
The opposing force that Saul is preparing to battle, causing him great fear and anxiety.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's actions are a direct result of his earlier disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder that disobedience can lead to spiritual desperation and poor decision-making.

The Dangers of Seeking Guidance Outside of God
Saul's choice to consult a medium highlights the dangers of seeking guidance from sources other than God. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer and Scripture.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Saul's inability to discern God's will leads him to make unwise choices. Christians are called to develop spiritual discernment through a close relationship with God.

The Role of Fear in Decision-Making
Fear drives Saul to act against his own decrees and God's commands. Believers should be cautious of allowing fear to dictate their actions, instead trusting in God's sovereignty.

Reverence for God’s Prophets and Word
Saul's reverence for Samuel, even in death, underscores the importance of respecting God's messengers and their teachings, which are now found in Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Saul's decision to consult a medium reveal about his spiritual state and relationship with God?

2. How can we ensure that we seek guidance from God rather than turning to worldly or forbidden sources?

3. In what ways can fear influence our decision-making, and how can we combat this with faith?

4. How does Saul's reverence for Samuel, even after death, challenge us to respect and adhere to biblical teachings?

5. Reflect on a time when disobedience led to negative consequences in your life. How can you learn from Saul's account to make better choices in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage condemns practices like necromancy, which Saul engages in by consulting the medium.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights Saul's disobedience to God, which led to his rejection as king, setting the stage for his desperate actions in 1 Samuel 28.

Isaiah 8:19-20
Warns against seeking mediums and spiritists, emphasizing reliance on God’s word instead.

Hebrews 9:27
Speaks to the finality of death and judgment, contrasting with Saul's attempt to communicate with the dead.