And the king sayd vnto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said vnto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. 1 Samuel 28:13 (KJV)
Historical Context: At this point in the narrative, Saul finds himself in a dire situation. The Philistines have gathered for war against Israel, and Saul, troubled by the lack of divine guidance, seeks counsel from the Lord but receives no response (1 Samuel 28:6). In desperation, he turns to the witch of Endor, a medium, to seek guidance from the spirit world.
Saul’s Interaction with the Medium: In this verse Saul encourages the medium not to be afraid and asks her what she has seen. The woman replies that she saw gods (or a god) ascending out of the earth. The Hebrew word “elohim” used here is a general term that can refer to gods, divine beings, or even God Himself, and in this specific context it may refer to a singular spirit, Samuel, rather than multiple deities.
Interpretation: The appearance of Samuel’s spirit is understood in two principal ways. One view holds that the medium witnessed a genuine supernatural event, a manifestation orchestrated by God so that Samuel’s spirit could appear to Saul for a specific purpose. Another view suggests that the vision was deceptive or demonic, a false appearance that God did not permit, highlighting the occultic nature of the medium’s practice and the biblical prohibition against consulting the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10‑12).
Overall Lessons: This account raises important lessons for believers. First, the Bible consistently condemns divination, consulting mediums, or seeking guidance from the dead, reminding us of the spiritual dangers inherent in such practices. Second, the passage underscores God’s sovereignty over life and death and His control of the spiritual realm, urging us to rely on God directly and follow His revealed Word. Finally, Saul’s desperate attempt to consult the dead illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the tragic downfall that can result when one seeks guidance apart from God.
