“And Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative that recounts a significant event in the life of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Before we explore the verse itself, it’s helpful to provide some context.
In 1 Samuel 28, we find Saul in a dire situation. The Philistines, Israel’s long-standing enemies, had gathered for war, and Saul was filled with fear and desperation. Earlier in his reign, Saul had been rejected by God for his disobedience, and God had chosen David to be the next king of Israel. As a result, Saul’s relationship with God had deteriorated, and he no longer had access to divine guidance or prophetic insights.
In his desperation, Saul sought out a medium, a woman known as the Witch of Endor. He disguised himself and visited her to inquire about his future. The woman was hesitant to comply with Saul’s request because it was forbidden in Israel to consult with mediums or necromancers. However, Saul swore an oath by the Lord that she would face no punishment for her assistance.
“And Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying,” Here, Saul is making a solemn oath to the woman by invoking the name of the Lord. This reveals Saul’s desperation and his willingness to disregard God’s laws to obtain answers about his future.
“As the Lord liveth,” Saul affirms the life and existence of the Lord, emphasizing the seriousness of his oath. He acknowledges that God is alive and active, even though he himself has lost connection with Him.
“There shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.” Saul promises the woman that she will not face any negative consequences for her actions. He assures her that he will personally protect her from any repercussions that may arise due to their forbidden consultation.
Disobedience and Desperation:Saul’s actions in seeking a medium were in direct violation of God’s commandments. It reveals the depths of his desperation and his growing separation from God’s guidance. It serves as a cautionary example of what can happen when we allow fear and disobedience to drive our actions.
Saul’s Oath:Saul invokes the name of the Lord in his oath, which adds a solemn weight to his promise. However, it is important to note that making an oath in God’s name to justify or guarantee the legitimacy of an act that is inherently disobedient is not justified in the eyes of God.
The Prohibition against Consulting Mediums:Throughout the Bible, the practice of consulting mediums, necromancers, or practicing divination is consistently condemned as an abomination to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Saul’s act of seeking out the Witch of Endor was in direct violation of God’s law and showed his disregard for God’s authority.
In summary, 1 Samuel 28:10 portrays a pivotal moment in the life of King Saul, where he sought guidance from a medium in his desperation. The verse highlights Saul’s disobedience, the seriousness of making oaths in God’s name, and the prohibition against consulting mediums. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s path and the importance of seeking Him wholeheartedly in all circumstances.
