“And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.”
Context:The passage comes from the story of Saul, the first king of Israel, as he seeks guidance from a medium or witch in Endor. Saul had disobeyed God and had lost favour with Him. He was about to go into battle against the Philistines, and instead of seeking God’s counsel, he sought guidance through a forbidden means by consulting a medium.
Key Points and Lessons from 1 Samuel 28:14:
- Seeking guidance from forbidden sources:In this passage, Saul, in a moment of desperation, seeks counsel from a medium, which is strictly forbidden according to God’s law. The Bible consistently warns against engaging in occult practices, divination, or seeking guidance from mediums or spiritualists (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The story of Saul serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of turning away from God’s ways and seeking supernatural guidance from ungodly sources.
- God’s judgment and rejection:The fact that Saul had resorted to seeking the counsel of a medium reveals his spiritual decline and his disobedience to God’s commands. God had already rejected Saul as king because of his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23). The consequence of Saul’s disobedience was severe, leading to his eventual downfall and death in battle. This passage underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands in our lives.
- The appearance of Samuel:The medium describes the spirit she sees as an old man covered with a mantle, and Saul perceives that it is Samuel. While the exact nature of the encounter is debated among biblical scholars, it is clear that God allowed Samuel’s spirit to appear before Saul on this occasion. It is important to note that this was an exception to the rule, and God’s usual prohibition against consulting the dead remained in place. The appearance of Samuel served as a message of impending judgment and confirmed God’s rejection of Saul as king.
- Reverence and humility before God:When Saul realised that the spirit was Samuel, he stooped with his face to the ground and bowed himself. This posture reflects Saul’s recognition of the authority and power of God. It serves as a reminder that even in our moments of desperation or confusion, we should approach God with reverence and humility, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His will.
Overall, 1 Samuel 28:14 presents a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the dangers of seeking guidance from forbidden sources. It emphasises the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commands, seeking His counsel, and approaching Him with reverence and humility.
