“Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.”
This verse is part of a narrative that recounts the events leading up to the death of King Saul, the first king of Israel. It is found in the chapter where Saul, desperate for guidance before a crucial battle against the Philistines, consults a medium, the witch of Endor, to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel.
The context of 1 Samuel 28:22 is important to understand its significance. In the preceding verses, Samuel’s spirit had appeared to Saul through the medium and foretold the impending doom that would befall him and his kingdom. In verse 21, Samuel tells Saul that God has rejected him as king and will deliver Israel into the hands of the Philistines.
In verse 22, Saul, overcome with fear and distress, pleads with the medium to show him kindness by providing him with a meal before he continues his journey. Despite the grave news he has received, Saul still recognizes his physical needs and requests sustenance to strengthen himself for what lies ahead.
This verse highlights a moment of vulnerability for Saul. It reveals that, despite his shortcomings and his impending downfall, he still possesses a basic human need for nourishment and care. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we have physical and emotional needs that should not be overlooked.
Additionally, this verse underscores the irony of the situation. Saul, who had initially banished mediums and witches from the land as part of his efforts to adhere to God’s commandments (1 Samuel 28:3), now finds himself seeking counsel from one. His desperate attempt to seek divine guidance through forbidden means ultimately leads to his tragic fate.
In studying this verse, we can draw some lessons:
- The Consequences of Disobedience:Saul’s disobedience to God’s commandments ultimately led to his downfall. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s instructions.
- Vulnerability and Physical Needs:Saul’s request for food amid the distressing situation highlights the human need for physical sustenance even in times of crisis. It reminds us to attend to our basic needs while also seeking spiritual and emotional healing.
- The Danger of Seeking Unholy Counsel:Saul’s decision to consult a medium reflects the danger of seeking guidance from forbidden sources. It serves as a cautionary example, urging us to seek God’s guidance through prayer, His Word, and wise counsel from trustworthy individuals.
Overall, 1 Samuel 28:22 highlights the tragic consequences of Saul’s disobedience and his vulnerability as a human being. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the need to seek His guidance through proper channels while acknowledging our basic human needs.
