“Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.”
1 Samuel 28:11 is part of a passage that describes an encounter between King Saul and the witch of Endor. It takes place during a time when the Philistines were gathering for war against Israel, and Saul was filled with fear and anxiety. In his desperation, he sought guidance from the Lord but received no answer through dreams, prophets, or the Urim (a means of divine communication). As a result, he resorted to seeking the counsel of a medium, which was strictly forbidden according to the Law of Moses.
In this verse, the woman, who was the medium, asks Saul whom she should bring up for him. In response, Saul requests the woman to summon the spirit of Samuel, the prophet and judge who had died. It is essential to note that the woman was surprised and terrified when Samuel actually appeared to her, indicating that this was an extraordinary event rather than a deceptive act of the witch.
Saul’s disobedience and desperation:Saul’s decision to consult a medium highlights his disobedience to God’s commandments. The Law of Moses explicitly forbade any form of witchcraft or necromancy (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Saul’s desperation and lack of faith in God’s guidance led him to seek alternative means for answers, which ultimately resulted in his downfall.
The reality of supernatural encounters:The fact that the spirit of Samuel was brought up by the medium raises questions about the existence of an afterlife and the ability to communicate with the deceased. While this account presents a unique and exceptional circumstance, it is important to note that God’s Word consistently condemns engaging in such practices.
God’s sovereignty and judgment:Despite Saul’s disobedience, God allowed Samuel’s spirit to appear and deliver a message to Saul. Through Samuel, God pronounced judgment on Saul, confirming that his kingdom would be taken away from him and given to David. This event served as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and his faithfulness to fulfill his promises.
The limitations of seeking supernatural guidance:Saul’s failed attempt to gain insight from the deceased Samuel highlights the limitations of seeking supernatural guidance outside of God’s ordained methods. Instead of seeking God directly through prayer and waiting on Him, Saul sought an alternative path that ultimately led to disappointment and judgment.
Overall, 1 Samuel 28:11 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience, the limitations of seeking supernatural guidance outside of God’s ordained means, and the sovereignty of God in executing His judgments. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
