“And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David”
Historical Context:1 Samuel 28 describes a critical moment in King Saul’s life. Saul had been chosen by God as the first king of Israel but had repeatedly disobeyed God’s commands. As a result, God rejected Saul as king and appointed David as his successor. Saul, plagued by insecurity and fear, sought guidance from God but received no answer through conventional means.
Saul’s Desperation:In this chapter, Saul finds himself facing an imminent battle against the Philistines. In desperation, he seeks help from a medium, contrary to God’s prohibition of consulting the dead. Saul disguises himself and visits the medium of Endor, requesting her to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel.
Samuel’s Message:When Samuel’s spirit appears before the medium, she is terrified. Samuel questions Saul’s actions and confronts him with the reality of his disobedience and impending defeat. In verse 17, Samuel declares that the Lord has acted according to His word spoken through Samuel. Samuel reveals that God has torn the kingdom from Saul’s hands and given it to David, Saul’s neighbour.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- Divine Judgment:Saul’s disobedience and refusal to follow God’s commands led to God’s judgment upon him. Samuel’s message confirms that God has withdrawn His favour from Saul and has chosen to establish David as the next king. It emphasises the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God’s word.
- Trust and Obedience:The episode reveals the importance of trusting in God and obeying His commands. Saul’s misguided attempt to seek supernatural guidance through forbidden means showcases the dangers of seeking solutions outside of God’s will.
- God’s Sovereignty:Despite Saul’s attempts to retain his kingship, Samuel’s message demonstrates God’s sovereign control over the destiny of Israel. God’s plans and promises ultimately prevail, and His will cannot be thwarted.
Application:The passage provides several valuable lessons for us today:
- We should seek God’s guidance and rely on His wisdom rather than seeking alternative, forbidden means.
- Disobedience can lead to severe consequences, and it is crucial to align our actions with God’s commands.
- Trusting in God’s sovereignty helps us accept His plans, even when they differ from our own desires.
It is worth noting that the episode of Saul and the medium of Endor raises complex theological questions regarding the nature of Samuel’s appearance and the ethics of consulting the dead. Christians may hold varying interpretations and perspectives on these matters.
