“Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.”
1 Samuel 28:3 is a significant verse in the context of Saul’s reign as the first king of Israel. To understand the verse better, let’s explore the surrounding events and the broader themes of the passage.
Context:In the preceding chapters, we learn that Samuel, the prophet and judge over Israel, had died. Samuel had been instrumental in anointing Saul as the king of Israel and providing guidance to him. With Samuel’s passing, Saul is left without his primary spiritual advisor.
Saul’s Desperation:The verse highlights that Saul had previously expelled those who practiced divination and communicated with spirits from the land of Israel. This action was in obedience to God’s commandments, as seen in passages like Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12. However, in his desperation and without Samuel’s counsel, Saul resorts to seeking guidance through forbidden means.
Seeking a Medium:The subsequent verses reveal that Saul disguises himself and goes to seek out a medium in Endor. He seeks to contact the spirit of Samuel, hoping to gain insight into his situation and the upcoming battle against the Philistines. This act is also strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 20:6, 27).
Consequences:Saul’s actions are a manifestation of his spiritual decline and his increasing separation from God. It signifies his lack of trust in the Lord and his inability to find solace and guidance in God’s presence. Seeking guidance from a medium results in severe consequences for Saul and his reign.
The passage raises important themes such as obedience to God’s commands, trust in God’s guidance, and the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning against seeking supernatural guidance outside of God’s ordained means.
It is worth noting that different theological perspectives interpret this passage and the concept of mediums differently. Some emphasize the reality of the encounter between Saul and Samuel’s spirit, while others propose alternative explanations, such as the spirit being a deception or an illusion permitted by God to deliver a message.
Ultimately, 1 Samuel 28:3 reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance through His established means and trusting in His faithfulness rather than resorting to forbidden practices in times of uncertainty or desperation.
