“And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.”
This verse sets the stage for an important event in the life of King Saul, which occurs later in the chapter. To gain a better understanding, it’s helpful to provide some context and explore the surrounding verses.
Context:The book of 1 Samuel focuses on the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of a monarchy in Israel. Saul was the first anointed king of Israel, chosen by God through the prophet Samuel. However, as Saul’s reign progressed, he increasingly disobeyed God’s commands, resulting in the Lord rejecting him as king (1 Samuel 15:23). Consequently, God chose David as the future king of Israel, although he had not yet assumed the throne.
Context:This verse highlights the backdrop of a looming battle between the Philistines and Israelites. The Philistines, Israel’s long-standing enemies, gathered their forces and encamped in Shunem, a town located in the northern region of Israel. In response, King Saul assembled the people of Israel and set up their camp in Gilboa, a nearby area.
The significance of this verse lies in the chain of events that follows. After Saul witnessed the vast Philistine army and became afraid, he desperately sought guidance from God but received no answers through dreams, prophets, or the Urim (a divination tool used by the high priest). Saul had previously expelled all mediums and spiritists from the land according to the command of God (1 Samuel 28:3). However, in his distress, he sought a medium to help him communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel.
It is important to note that this verse merely establishes the location and circumstances leading up to Saul’s encounter with the medium. The subsequent verses recount Saul’s visit to the witch of Endor, where he disguises himself and seeks her assistance in summoning Samuel from the dead.
The story serves as a cautionary tale about Saul’s disobedience to God’s commands and his failure to seek the Lord’s guidance in critical situations. It highlights the consequences of seeking supernatural guidance from sources that God has expressly prohibited.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 28:4 provides the initial context for Saul’s ill-fated decision to consult a medium, leading to the encounter with the witch of Endor. This event plays a significant role in the narrative of Saul’s downfall and God’s rejection of him as king. It serves as a reminder for us to seek God’s guidance, follow His commands, and trust in His sovereignty rather than resorting to forbidden practices.
