1 Samuel 28:23

Saul refused, saying, "I will not eat." But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed.

Study Bible

But he refused
This phrase indicates Saul's initial resistance to the suggestion of eating. The Hebrew root for "refused" is "מָאֵן" (ma'en), which conveys a strong sense of denial or unwillingness. Saul's refusal can be seen as a reflection of his despair and hopelessness, having just received a dire prophecy from the spirit of Samuel. In a broader scriptural context, refusal often signifies a struggle between human will and divine direction, highlighting Saul's internal conflict and his estrangement from God.

and said, 'I will not eat.'
Saul's verbal declaration, "I will not eat," underscores his deep emotional and spiritual turmoil. In ancient Near Eastern culture, eating was not only a physical necessity but also a communal and covenantal act. By refusing to eat, Saul is symbolically rejecting life and community, further isolating himself. This moment is pivotal, as it shows Saul's vulnerability and the depth of his despair, having lost his connection with God and his prophetic guidance.

However, his servants and the woman together urged him
The persistence of Saul's servants and the woman, the medium of Endor, is significant. The Hebrew word for "urged" is "פָּצַר" (patsar), which implies a strong, insistent persuasion. This collective urging reflects a communal concern for Saul's well-being, emphasizing the importance of community support in times of distress. Historically, this moment illustrates the role of servants and women in providing counsel and care, even to a king, highlighting the universal need for compassion and intervention.

and he listened to them
Saul's decision to listen marks a turning point. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) for "listened" implies not just hearing but obeying or heeding advice. This act of listening indicates a moment of humility and recognition of his need for others, despite his kingly status. Scripturally, listening is often associated with wisdom and obedience to God's will, suggesting a brief moment of clarity for Saul amidst his turmoil.

He got up from the ground
Rising from the ground symbolizes a shift from despair to action. In biblical narratives, being on the ground often represents mourning or supplication, while rising signifies readiness to move forward. Saul's physical movement reflects an internal decision to continue, despite his dire circumstances. This action can inspire readers to find strength to rise from their own moments of despair, trusting in God's provision and the support of others.

and sat on the bed
Sitting on the bed signifies a return to a place of rest and contemplation. In ancient times, the bed was not only for sleeping but also a place for reflection and decision-making. Saul's choice to sit on the bed suggests a moment of pause and potential reconsideration of his situation. This phrase invites readers to find solace and clarity in moments of rest, encouraging a balance between action and reflection in the journey of faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is in a state of desperation and fear as he faces the Philistine army. His refusal to eat signifies his deep distress and hopelessness.

2. The Woman (Medium of Endor)
A medium whom Saul consults to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel, despite having previously banned such practices in Israel. Her role is pivotal in this account as she provides Saul with the message from Samuel.

3. Servants of Saul
They accompany Saul to Endor and play a role in persuading him to eat, showing their concern for his well-being.

4. Endor
A location in ancient Israel where the medium resides. It becomes the setting for this significant and controversial event in Saul's life.

5. Philistines
The enemy force that Saul is preparing to face, contributing to his fear and desperation.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's actions demonstrate the spiritual decline that results from persistent disobedience to God. His desperation leads him to seek guidance from forbidden sources, illustrating the dangers of straying from God's commands.

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Saul's reliance on a medium rather than seeking Godly counsel highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with advisors who encourage obedience to God.

Desperation and Fear
Fear can drive individuals to make poor decisions. Saul's fear of the Philistines leads him to act against God's law. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty rather than succumbing to fear.

The Role of Community
The servants' concern for Saul's physical well-being shows the importance of community in times of distress. Believers should support one another, encouraging faithfulness to God.

Repentance and Restoration
Saul's account serves as a cautionary tale about the need for repentance. Believers are reminded of the opportunity for restoration through genuine repentance and turning back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Saul's refusal to eat reveal about his state of mind and spiritual condition at this point in the account?

2. How does Saul's decision to consult a medium contrast with God's commands in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, and what can we learn from this about obedience?

3. In what ways can fear lead us away from trusting in God, and how can we combat this tendency in our own lives?

4. How can we ensure that we are seeking Godly counsel in our decision-making processes, and what role does community play in this?

5. Reflecting on Saul's account, what steps can we take to ensure that we remain obedient to God and open to repentance when we fall short?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage condemns the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists, highlighting Saul's disobedience to God's commands.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's earlier rebuke of Saul for disobedience, emphasizing that rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, which connects to Saul's current actions.

Psalm 23:4
Contrasts Saul's fear and lack of trust in God with the psalmist's confidence in God's protection even in the valley of the shadow of death.