1 Samuel 28:8

And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.

1 Samuel 28:8 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits within the larger narrative of King Saul’s final days. Israel faced a military threat from the Philistines, and Saul was fearful and uncertain about the battle’s outcome. Earlier, Samuel had died, and Saul had expelled mediums and wizards from the land. Now, in his desperation, he sought guidance from a medium, also known as a witch or necromancer.

Saul disguised himself, put on other clothes, and went by night with two men to the woman at En-dor. His disguise and nighttime visit reveal his awareness that his actions were wrong; he sought to hide his identity to avoid detection and public shame. The secrecy of the deed underscores its shamefulness.

Meaning

Saul asked the woman to divine for him by her familiar spirit and to bring up the person he would name. The term “familiar spirit” refers to a spirit that supposedly assists or communicates with a witch or medium. Saul’s request to “bring me him up” indicates his intention to consult the dead, specifically the prophet Samuel, as the following verses show.

Seeking guidance from a medium or practicing divination was strictly forbidden by the Law of Moses. God had commanded the Israelites to rely on Him alone for guidance and to avoid any involvement with occult practices. By seeking out a medium, Saul was directly disobeying God’s commandments.

Biblical connections

Saul’s actions illustrate his spiritual decline and his failure as king and leader of Israel. Instead of seeking God through prayer and repentance, he turned to forbidden means in his desperation. His actions showed a lack of trust in God and a disregard for His commands. He sought the very practice he had previously outlawed, demonstrating how far he had fallen.

Application

This passage serves as a warning about the dangers of seeking guidance outside of God’s will and commands. When God’s voice seems silent, the temptation is to turn to forbidden sources for answers. Saul’s example shows the folly of relying on occult practices or supernatural means apart from God. The believer is called to trust God’s Word and Spirit, even when circumstances seem desperate.

Reflection

The consequences of Saul’s actions were significant. When the medium brought up Samuel’s spirit, Samuel rebuked Saul for his disobedience and prophesied his impending defeat and death in battle. Saul had sealed his own fate by disregarding God’s instructions and seeking answers from forbidden sources. This verse reminds us of the significance of obedience to God’s Word and the consequences that can result from seeking guidance outside of His will.