1 Samuel 28:4

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

1 Samuel 28:4 (KJV)

Context

This verse sets the stage for a pivotal event in the life of King Saul. 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, chosen by God through the prophet Samuel. However, as his 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, although he had not yet assumed the throne.

The Philistines, Israel’s long-standing enemies, gathered their forces and encamped in Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar. In response, Saul assembled all Israel and set up camp in Gilboa, a mountain range near Jezreel. The positioning of the two armies sets the stage for a direct confrontation, with the Philistines advancing into Israelite territory and Saul mustering the full national army to meet them.

Meaning

The significance of this verse lies in the chain of events that follows. Verse 3 notes that Samuel had died and that Saul had removed mediums and wizards from the land. When Saul saw the vast Philistine army, he became afraid and his heart greatly trembled (1 Samuel 28:5). In his desperation, he sought guidance from God but received no answers through dreams, prophets, or the Urim, a divination tool used by the high priest. Although Saul had previously expelled all mediums and spiritists in accordance with God’s command, he then sought a medium to help him communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel.

This verse 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.

Application

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. For readers, it is a reminder to seek God’s guidance, follow His commands, and trust in His sovereignty rather than resorting to forbidden practices.