“And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth”
Historical Context:At this point in the narrative, Saul finds himself in a dire situation. The Philistines have gathered for war against Israel, and Saul, troubled by the lack of divine guidance, seeks counsel from the Lord but receives no response (1 Samuel 28:6). In desperation, Saul turns to the witch of Endor, a medium, to seek guidance from the spirit world.
Saul’s Interaction with the Medium:In this verse, Saul encourages the medium not to be afraid and asks her what she has seen. The woman then replies that she saw gods ascending out of the earth. It is important to note that the Hebrew word used here, “elohim,” is a general term that can refer to gods, divine beings, or even God Himself. The woman’s description suggests a supernatural event beyond her expectation.
Interpretation:The interpretation of this verse varies among scholars and theologians. Here are two possible interpretations:
- Supernatural Event:Some interpret this verse to mean that the medium witnessed a genuine supernatural occurrence. The appearance of the “gods” could be understood as the souls of the deceased rising up from Sheol (the realm of the dead) or a supernatural manifestation orchestrated by God. According to this view, God allowed Samuel’s spirit to appear to Saul for a specific purpose.
- Deceptive Vision:Another interpretation suggests that the medium’s vision was a deceptive or demonic manifestation rather than a genuine appearance of Samuel or any other divine being. It is possible that God did not permit Samuel’s spirit to be consulted through this medium but allowed a deceptive vision to unfold instead. This view emphasizes the occultic nature of the medium’s practice and emphasizes the prohibition of consulting the dead found elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
Overall Lessons:Regardless of the interpretation, this account raises important lessons for believers:
- Prohibition of Divination:The Bible consistently condemns the practice of divination, consulting mediums, or seeking guidance from the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). This account serves as a reminder of the dangers and spiritual pitfalls associated with such practices.
- God’s Sovereignty:The passage underscores God’s sovereignty over life and death, as well as His control over the spiritual realm. It reminds us that our ultimate reliance should be on seeking God directly and following His guidance through His revealed Word.
- Desperation and Disobedience:Saul’s desperate attempt to consult the dead highlights the consequences of disobedience and seeking guidance apart from God. It is a cautionary tale, showing the tragic downfall of a king who rejected God’s commands.
