“And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.”
Context:In this passage, Saul, the first king of Israel, finds himself in a desperate situation. The Philistines were about to wage war against him, and God seemed to be silent, not answering him through prophets or dreams. Out of desperation, Saul seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel, who had died.
Seeking God’s guidance:Saul had previously disobeyed God’s instructions and had been rejected as king. In his distress, he sought supernatural guidance from Samuel, who had been a prophet and judge over Israel. However, summoning the spirit of a dead person through a medium was strictly forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
Departed from God:Saul’s desperation and anxiety led him to the realization that God had departed from him. It was a consequence of his disobedience and failure to seek God’s will in previous situations. God’s silence in response to Saul’s inquiries heightened his distress and sense of abandonment.
Consequences of disobedience:Saul’s actions illustrate the consequences of disobeying God. Instead of repenting and seeking forgiveness, he turned to forbidden means to find guidance. This passage serves as a reminder that seeking supernatural or occult practices in times of crisis is not a solution but further rebellion against God.
God’s silence:Saul’s complaint about God’s silence reveals a broken relationship with God. The lack of response from prophets or dreams could be attributed to Saul’s disobedience and God’s withdrawal of His favour and guidance. God’s silence in our lives may be a consequence of our own disobedience or lack of seeking Him wholeheartedly.
Lessons for us:The story of Saul teaches us several important lessons. We should seek God’s guidance and will in all circumstances, turning to Him in prayer and seeking wisdom from His Word. Disobedience and rebellion can lead to spiritual desolation and distance from God. We should be cautious not to seek supernatural guidance from forbidden sources, but rather trust in God’s wisdom and timing.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 28:15 shows us the consequences of Saul’s disobedience and his misguided attempt to seek supernatural guidance. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s will, repenting when we go astray, and trusting in Him rather than turning to forbidden practices. Let us learn from Saul’s mistakes and cultivate a deep and obedient relationship with God.
