1 Samuel 28:23
But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
1 Samuel 28:23 (KJV)
Context
This verse concludes the dramatic encounter between King Saul and the medium of Endor. Saul, facing the Philistine army and having been abandoned by God, sought out a medium to summon the deceased prophet Samuel. Samuel’s message was one of judgment: the kingdom had been torn from Saul and given to David, and Israel would be delivered into the hands of the Philistines. Upon hearing this, Saul was terrified and fell full length on the ground, with no strength in him because he had eaten no bread all that day and all that night (1 Samuel 28:20). In verse 23, Saul initially refuses to eat, saying, “I will not eat.” His refusal likely stems from overwhelming grief and despair, perhaps even a preference to die by famine rather than by the sword of the Philistines. His servants, together with the woman, compelled him—not by force, but by persistent reasoning and persuasion. They prevailed upon him to try to eat, and he hearkened unto their voice. He then arose from the earth and sat upon the bed.
Meaning
Saul’s compliance reveals his complete physical and emotional exhaustion. He had rejected God’s voice throughout his reign, yet now he submitted to the counsel of a medium and his own servants. This tragic irony underscores the severity of his spiritual decline: the man who had disobeyed God’s explicit commands was now being persuaded by forbidden sources to take sustenance before going to his doom. The woman’s earlier words (1 Samuel 28:21-22) highlight her risk in obeying Saul, and her urging that he eat so he could have strength to go on his way. Saul’s hearkening unto their voice contrasts sharply with his earlier disobedience to God’s voice, illustrating how far he had fallen from his role as God’s anointed king.
Biblical connections
This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the dangers of seeking guidance from forbidden sources. The Law of Moses explicitly prohibited consulting mediums and wizards (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), and Saul’s actions illustrate the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commands rather than relying on human wisdom or turning to occult practices. Saul’s willingness to listen to human voices in this moment contrasts with his rejection of God’s voice, highlighting the spiritual decline that results from persistent disobedience.
Application
Seek God’s Guidance: In times of distress or uncertainty, we should turn to God for guidance rather than relying on our own understanding or seeking solutions from forbidden sources. The Bible assures us that God is willing to provide wisdom and direction to those who ask in faith (James 1:5).
Obey God’s Commands: We should prioritise obedience to God’s commands, even when faced with difficult circumstances or overwhelming emotions. Disobedience can lead us down a destructive path, while obedience brings blessings and a closer relationship with God.
Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel: It is crucial to seek the advice and counsel of wise and godly individuals when faced with challenging situations. Surrounding ourselves with people who will speak truth into our lives can help prevent us from making unwise decisions or succumbing to spiritual decline.
Repentance and Forgiveness: If we have strayed from God’s commands or sought guidance from forbidden sources, there is hope for restoration through repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. God is merciful and gracious, and He welcomes those who sincerely turn back to Him (1 John 1:9).
Reflection
Saul’s story warns us that even when we have wandered far from God, He still calls us to turn back. Yet it also shows the tragic end of a life marked by persistent disobedience. Let us examine our own hearts: are we hearkening to God’s voice, or are we being swayed by voices that lead us away from Him? May we learn from Saul’s example to seek God earnestly and to obey His commands, so that we may walk in His favour and avoid the path of destruction.
