And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me vp? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistins make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by Prophets, nor by dreames: therefore I haue called thee, that thou mayst make knowen vnto me, what I shall doe. 1 Samuel 28:15 (KJV)
Context: In this passage, Saul, the first king of Israel, finds himself in a desperate situation. The Philistines were about to wage war against him, and God seemed to be silent, not answering him through prophets or dreams. Out of desperation, Saul seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel, who had died.
Seeking God’s guidance: Saul had previously disobeyed God’s instructions and had been rejected as king. In his distress, he turned to supernatural guidance from Samuel, a former prophet and judge over Israel. Yet summoning the spirit of a dead person through a medium was strictly forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 18:10‑12).
Departed from God: Saul’s anxiety led him to realize that God had departed from him, a consequence of his earlier disobedience and failure to seek God’s will. The silence of God in response to Saul’s inquiries heightened his distress and sense of abandonment.
Consequences of disobedience: Saul’s actions illustrate the peril of disobeying God. Instead of repenting and seeking forgiveness, he resorted to forbidden means for guidance. This passage reminds us that seeking supernatural or occult practices in times of crisis is not a solution but further rebellion against God.
God’s silence: Saul’s complaint about God’s silence reveals a broken relationship with the Divine. The lack of response from prophets or dreams can be attributed to Saul’s disobedience and God’s withdrawal of favor and guidance. Likewise, God’s silence in our lives may result from our own disobedience or from not seeking Him wholeheartedly.
Lessons for us: The story of Saul teaches several important lessons. We should seek God’s guidance and will in all circumstances, turning to Him in prayer and seeking wisdom from His Word. Disobedience and rebellion can lead to spiritual desolation and distance from God. We must be cautious not to seek supernatural guidance from forbidden sources, but rather trust in God’s wisdom and timing.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 28:15‑19 shows us the consequences of Saul’s disobedience and his misguided attempt to seek supernatural guidance. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s will, repenting when we go astray, and trusting in Him rather than turning to forbidden practices. Let us learn from Saul’s mistakes and cultivate a deep and obedient relationship with God.
