The narrative of Saul inquiring of the Lord is a significant episode in the life of Israel's first king, Saul, and is found primarily in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. This event highlights Saul's troubled relationship with God and his eventual downfall as king.

Context and Background

Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, was anointed by the prophet Samuel as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). Initially, Saul showed promise as a leader, but his reign was marred by disobedience to God's commands. His failure to fully obey God's instructions, particularly in the matter of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), led to God's rejection of him as king. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and he was tormented by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14).

The Inquiry at Endor

The specific event of Saul inquiring of the Lord is recorded in 1 Samuel 28. As the Philistines gathered to fight against Israel, Saul was filled with fear. In his desperation, he sought guidance from the Lord, but "the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets" (1 Samuel 28:6). This silence from God was a direct consequence of Saul's disobedience and the severed relationship between him and the Lord.

In his desperation, Saul turned to a medium at Endor, seeking to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel. This act was in direct violation of God's law, which prohibited necromancy and consulting with mediums (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Saul's decision to seek guidance from a medium further demonstrated his spiritual decline and the depth of his estrangement from God.

The Message from Samuel

When the medium at Endor conjured the spirit of Samuel, Saul was reminded of his disobedience and the impending judgment. Samuel's message was one of doom: "The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD or carry out His fierce wrath against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today" (1 Samuel 28:17-18). Samuel foretold that Saul and his sons would die in battle the next day, and Israel would be defeated by the Philistines.

Theological Implications

Saul's inquiry of the Lord and subsequent actions underscore the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. Saul's failure to seek God with a sincere heart and his reliance on forbidden practices illustrate the consequences of turning away from divine guidance. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience and the futility of seeking answers outside of God's will.

Legacy

The account of Saul inquiring of the Lord is a pivotal moment that marks the transition from Saul's troubled reign to the rise of David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Saul's tragic end serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with God and the dire consequences of straying from His commandments.