“And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.”
Context:Before delving into the specific verse, it’s important to understand the broader context of the passage. In 1 Samuel 28, we find Saul, the first king of Israel, in a desperate situation. He is about to engage in a battle against the Philistines, and he is terrified because God is no longer answering him through dreams, prophets, or the Urim and Thummim. In his desperation, Saul seeks out a medium to consult the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. In this verse, she refers to the woman who practised divination and summoned the spirit of Samuel. Here, the pronoun it likely refers to the food that Saul and his servants had eaten together. After they finished their meal, they departed that night.
Lessons and Applications:The Danger of Desperation:Saul’s desperate act of consulting a medium illustrates the dangers of abandoning God’s ways in times of distress. Rather than seeking God’s guidance and repenting of his disobedience, Saul turned to forbidden practices. This serves as a reminder to seek God’s help and wisdom in difficult times, trusting in His faithfulness and guidance.
The Consequences of Disobedience:Saul’s disobedience to God’s commands resulted in the withdrawal of God’s guidance and presence from his life. We see this through the silence of God and Saul’s futile attempts to communicate with Him. It is a sobering reminder that our actions have consequences, and obedience to God’s commands is essential for a healthy relationship with Him.
The Importance of Seeking God’s Will:Saul’s actions highlight the importance of seeking God’s will above all else. Instead of seeking a quick fix or turning to alternative sources, we should seek God’s guidance through prayer, study of His Word, and seeking wise counsel from fellow believers.
God’s Faithfulness and Sovereignty:Despite Saul’s disobedience, God remained sovereign and in control. He allowed the spirit of Samuel to appear to Saul through the medium. While God permits certain events, it does not necessarily mean He approves of them. God can use various means to fulfill His purposes, but we should never interpret that as an endorsement of sinful practices.
Application Questions:How do you respond when you face challenging situations? Do you seek God’s guidance and trust in His faithfulness, or do you resort to alternative sources or practices? Are there areas of disobedience in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God? How can you bring those areas under God’s authority and seek His forgiveness and restoration? How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God’s will and seek His guidance in your daily life? In what ways can you affirm God’s sovereignty and trust in His faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances? Remember, studying the Bible is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to read the surrounding verses, consult trusted commentaries, and seek guidance from mature believers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the passage.
