1 Samuel 28:13

And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

1 Samuel 28:13 (KJV)

Context

Saul faces a Philistine army and receives no answer from the Lord through dreams, prophets, or the Urim (1 Samuel 28:6). In desperation, he seeks a medium at En-dor, even though he had earlier removed such practitioners from the land. Disguised, he asks the woman to bring up a spirit for him. His fear and her hesitation show how far he has fallen from his earlier obedience.

Meaning

Saul reassures the frightened medium, then asks what she sees. She replies, “I saw gods ascending out of the earth.” The Hebrew word elohim can mean divine beings, spirits, or even rulers. Here it likely refers to a supernatural spirit, not the true God. The woman sees what Saul cannot, and he depends on her report. This is not a vision of God but a spirit summoned through forbidden necromancy. The tragic irony is that the king of Israel now relies on a medium’s words.

Biblical connections

Scripture consistently forbids consulting the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). This event is not an endorsement of necromancy but a judgment on Saul. The woman’s vision sets the stage for Samuel’s appearance and the announcement of Saul’s doom. God remains sovereign even over this forbidden act, using it to deliver a message of judgment. The narrative shows that human attempts to bypass God’s will lead to further ruin.

Application

Believers must not seek guidance through occult practices, mediums, or any means outside God’s revealed Word and prayer. Saul’s example warns that disobedience and desperation can lead to further ruin. When God seems silent, trust His character and wait on Him rather than turning to forbidden sources. True wisdom comes from God alone, and He calls us to depend on Him in every circumstance.

Reflection

This account reveals the tragic irony of a king who once knew God’s guidance now relying on a medium. It reminds us that human attempts to bypass God’s will bring only fear and judgment. Even in judgment, God is sovereign over all events, including the activities of evil spirits. For the believer, the warning is clear: avoid any form of occult practice and trust in God’s providence.