But the woman replied, "Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has killed the mediums and spiritists in the land. Why have you set a trap to get me killed?" But the woman replied,The medium of Endor recognized the danger of receiving an unknown visitor. Mediums and spiritists were forbidden in Israel because such practices sought spiritual knowledge and power apart from the Lord. Exo 1:17-19 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do… “Surely you know what Saul has done, Saul had removed mediums and spiritists from the land in keeping with God’s commands against divination and necromancy (Leviticus 19:31; Deut. 18:10–12). His earlier actions publicly affirmed Israel’s covenant duty to reject pagan spiritual practices, even though his later conduct exposed the emptiness of outward reform without humble obedience to God. 1Ch 10:13-14 So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD… how he has killed the mediums and spiritists in the land. The woman knew that her work could bring severe punishment. God’s Law prescribed judgment for sorcery because it opened Israel to deception and rebellion against the Lord (Ex. 22:18). Saul’s campaign had made such practitioners scarce, forcing them into secrecy. Lev 20:27 A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist… Why have you set a trap to get me killed?” Her fear was justified, since Saul came disguised and asked her to perform the very act he had outlawed. The king who had once driven occult practices from Israel now turned to one of their last remaining practitioners because he had refused to seek the Lord in repentance. Psa 140:5 The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who sought guidance from a medium after God stopped answering him through prophets or dreams. 2. The Woman (Medium of Endor) A medium residing in Endor, whom Saul consults to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. 3. Endor A location in ancient Israel where the medium resided, indicating Saul's desperation as he sought guidance outside of God's law. 4. Samuel The deceased prophet whom Saul attempts to contact through the medium, representing Saul's past connection to God's guidance. 5. Mediums and Spiritists Individuals who claim to communicate with the dead, whom Saul had previously expelled from Israel in obedience to God's law. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsSaul's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's laws, even in times of desperation. Seeking Godly Counsel Instead of turning to forbidden practices, believers should seek guidance through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel. Consequences of Disobedience Saul's account illustrates the severe consequences that can result from disobedience to God's commands. Desperation and Faith In moments of desperation, maintaining faith and trust in God's timing and methods is crucial. Discernment in Spiritual Matters Christians are called to discern and reject practices that contradict biblical teachings, such as consulting mediums. 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 apply the lessons from Saul's disobedience to our own lives when we face difficult decisions? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking godly counsel and guidance in our daily lives? 4. How do the prohibitions against mediums and spiritists in the Old Testament apply to modern-day practices and beliefs? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt desperate for guidance. How did you seek God's direction, and what was the outcome? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:31This verse warns against turning to mediums and spiritists, highlighting the prohibition that Saul violated. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 These verses explicitly forbid engaging in practices like divination and consulting the dead, which Saul disregarded. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 This passage reflects on Saul's death, attributing it to his unfaithfulness and consulting a medium, reinforcing the consequences of his actions.
People Achish, Amalek, Amalekites, David, Israelites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, En-dor, Gath, Gilboa, Ramah, ShunemTopics Arts, Behold, Bring, Cause, Control, Cut, Danger, Death, Die, Divine, Familiar, Ghost, Hast, Lay, Layest, Laying, Mediums, Necromancers, Saul, Secret, Snare, Soothsayers, Soul, Spirit, Spiritists, Spirits, Surely, Trap, Trick, Users, Wherefore, WizardsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 28:9 4132 demons, malevolence 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 28:9 NIV1 Samuel 28:9 NLT 1 Samuel 28:9 ESV 1 Samuel 28:9 NASB 1 Samuel 28:9 KJV 1 Samuel 28:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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