“And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.”
This verse follows Saul’s encounter with the witch of Endor, whom he sought out in desperation for guidance when facing the Philistine army. Let’s examine the significance and lessons we can draw from this passage.
Saul’s Desperation:At this point in the narrative, Saul was in a desperate state. He had previously expelled all the mediums and necromancers from the land according to God’s command (1 Samuel 28:3). However, with the Philistines threatening to attack, Saul, feeling abandoned by God, sought the help of the witch despite his own previous actions. This reveals the depths of his desperation and the lengths he was willing to go to find guidance.
The Witch’s Obedience:The witch of Endor recognizes Saul’s troubled state and acknowledges that she has obeyed his command to summon the spirit of Samuel. Her statement, “I have put my life in my hand,” indicates the risks she took by performing the forbidden act of divination. Though she may have been a morally questionable character, her willingness to help Saul demonstrates her obedience to his request.
Lessons on Forbidden Practices:This passage serves as a reminder of the biblical prohibition against engaging in practices like divination, sorcery, and necromancy. Throughout the Old Testament, God consistently warned the Israelites against participating in such activities, as they detract from their reliance on Him and open doors to spiritual deception.
The Limits of Human Efforts:Saul’s resorting to the witch of Endor reflects his desperation and lack of faith in God’s guidance. Instead of seeking the Lord’s counsel through prayer, Saul sought answers through forbidden means. This passage emphasizes the futility of relying on human efforts or seeking supernatural guidance outside of God’s ordained ways.
Consequences of Disobedience:The story of Saul seeking the witch’s help and the subsequent events illustrate the dire consequences of disobedience and turning away from God’s commands. Saul’s disobedience ultimately led to his downfall and loss of the kingdom (1 Samuel 31:1-6). This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands.
In summary, 1 Samuel 28:21 portrays Saul’s desperation, the obedience of the witch of Endor, and the dangers of resorting to forbidden practices for guidance. It reminds us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking God’s guidance through prayer and obedience to His commands.
