He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. He inquired of the LORD,In the context of 1 Samuel 28, Saul is facing a dire situation with the Philistines, and he seeks guidance from God. This reflects a common practice in ancient Israel where leaders and individuals sought divine direction. However, Saul's inquiry is marked by desperation rather than genuine faith, as his previous disobedience and rejection of God's commands have led to his current predicament. This highlights the importance of a consistent relationship with God rather than seeking Him only in times of crisis. 1Sa 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and… but the LORD did not answer him God's silence is significant here. Throughout the Old Testament, God's communication with His people is contingent upon their obedience and faithfulness. Saul's earlier disobedience, such as his failure to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), has led to his rejection as king. This silence serves as a divine judgment and a fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy that the kingdom would be torn from Saul (1 Samuel 15:28). 1Sa 14:37 So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down… by dreams Dreams were one of the ways God communicated with His people, as seen with figures like Joseph (Genesis 37) and Daniel (Daniel 2). The absence of dreams indicates a severed line of communication between Saul and God, emphasizing Saul's spiritual decline and the gravity of his situation. Num 12:6 He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you… or Urim The Urim and Thummim were priestly tools used for divination, often associated with the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:30). They were a means for the Israelites to discern God's will. Saul's inability to receive guidance through the Urim suggests a breakdown in the religious order, possibly due to his own actions, such as the massacre of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22). Num 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest… or prophets. Prophets were God's messengers, and Samuel had been a key prophetic figure in Saul's life. With Samuel's death (1 Samuel 25:1), Saul loses his primary prophetic connection. This absence underscores the void left by Samuel and the lack of any other prophetic voice willing or able to guide Saul, further isolating him spiritually and politically. 1Ki 22:7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance from the Lord but receives no answer. His reign is marked by disobedience and a gradual departure from God's favor. 2. The LORD The God of Israel, who is silent in response to Saul's inquiries due to Saul's previous disobedience and rejection of God's commands. 3. Dreams, Urim, Prophets The traditional means by which God communicated with His people. Dreams were often used by God to reveal His will, the Urim (part of the high priest's breastplate) was used for divination, and prophets were God's messengers. 4. Endor The location Saul visits after this verse, seeking a medium, which further demonstrates his desperation and departure from God's ways. 5. Samuel The prophet who had previously anointed Saul and served as a spiritual guide for Israel. His death left Saul without a direct prophetic voice. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's inability to hear from God is a direct result of his disobedience. This serves as a warning that persistent sin can lead to spiritual silence. The Importance of Seeking God Early Saul's desperation highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent relationship with God, rather than seeking Him only in times of crisis. God's Faithfulness to His Word Despite Saul's failure, God's silence is consistent with His character and His previous warnings. God remains faithful to His word, even when it involves judgment. The Dangers of Desperation Saul's subsequent actions show how desperation can lead to further sin. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and remain faithful, even when answers are delayed. The Role of Prophets and Scripture In the absence of direct revelation, believers today have the completed canon of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to guide them, emphasizing the importance of regular Bible study and prayer. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Saul's experience teach us about the importance of obedience in our relationship with God?2. How can we ensure that we are seeking God consistently, rather than only in times of crisis? 3. In what ways can unconfessed sin affect our communication with God, and how can we address this in our lives? 4. How does the account of Saul illustrate the dangers of seeking guidance outside of God's prescribed means? 5. How can we apply the principles of James 1:5-8 in our daily decision-making and spiritual growth? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15Saul's disobedience in not fully destroying the Amalekites, which led to God's rejection of him as king. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 God's prohibition against seeking mediums and spiritists, which Saul violates after this verse. Psalm 66:18 The principle that unconfessed sin can hinder communication with God. Proverbs 1:28-29 The warning that those who reject wisdom may call on God but not receive an answer. James 1:5-8 Encouragement to ask God for wisdom with faith, contrasting Saul's lack of faith and obedience.
People Achish, Amalek, Amalekites, David, Israelites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, En-dor, Gath, Gilboa, Ramah, ShunemTopics Asketh, Didn't, Directions, Dream, Dreams, Either, Inquired, Prophets, Saul, UrimDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 28:6 1409 dream Library So Then we must Confess that the Dead Indeed do not Know what Is...18. So then we must confess that the dead indeed do not know what is doing here, but while it is in doing here: afterwards, however, they hear it from those who from hence go to them at their death; not indeed every thing, but what things those are allowed to make known who are suffered also to remember these things; and which it is meet for those to hear, whom they inform of the same. It may be also, that from the Angels, who are present in the things which are doing here, the dead do hear somewhat, … St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. An Exhortation to Love God There is a Blessedness in Reversion The Covenant of Grace Samuel Links 1 Samuel 28:6 NIV1 Samuel 28:6 NLT 1 Samuel 28:6 ESV 1 Samuel 28:6 NASB 1 Samuel 28:6 KJV 1 Samuel 28:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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