“But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.”
Context:This verse is part of the narrative in 1 Samuel that describes the encounter between King Saul and the medium of Endor. Saul, who was desperate for guidance from God but had been abandoned by Him, sought the help of a medium to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. In this particular verse, we see Saul’s initial refusal to eat, followed by the insistence of his servants and the woman, ultimately leading Saul to comply with their request.
Key Points:
- Saul’s Desperation:Throughout the chapter, we witness Saul’s desperation as he faced imminent battle against the Philistines without the guidance or favour of God. He resorted to seeking help from a forbidden source, the medium, which was explicitly prohibited in the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Saul’s desperation and his departure from seeking God’s guidance highlight the consequences of his disobedience and downfall as a leader.
- The Woman’s Persuasion:Saul’s refusal to eat after his encounter with the spirit of Samuel likely stemmed from his distress and grief over the message of impending doom pronounced upon him. However, his servants and the woman compelled him to eat, possibly out of concern for his physical well-being or as an attempt to bring him comfort and stability. Their insistence highlights their understanding of the importance of nourishment during a time of emotional turmoil.
- Obedience to Human Voice:Saul hearkened unto the voice of his servants and the woman, indicating his submission to their authority and their persuasion. It contrasts with his earlier disobedience to God’s commands and his rejection of God’s voice. Saul’s willingness to listen and obey the human voice in this situation underscores the severity of his spiritual decline.
- Lessons on Disobedience:This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the dangers of seeking guidance from forbidden sources. Saul’s actions illustrate the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commands and seeking His guidance rather than relying on human wisdom or turning to occult practices.
Application:
- Seek God’s Guidance:In times of distress or uncertainty, we should turn to God for guidance rather than relying on our own understanding or seeking solutions from forbidden sources. The Bible assures us that God is willing to provide wisdom and direction to those who ask in faith (James 1:5).
- Obey God’s Commands:We should prioritise obedience to God’s commands, even when faced with difficult circumstances or overwhelming emotions. Disobedience can lead us down a destructive path, while obedience brings blessings and a closer relationship with God.
- Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel:It is crucial to seek the advice and counsel of wise and godly individuals when faced with challenging situations. Surrounding ourselves with people who will speak truth into our lives can help prevent us from making unwise decisions or succumbing to spiritual decline.
- Repentance and Forgiveness:If we have strayed from God’s commands or sought guidance from forbidden sources, there is hope for restoration through repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. God is merciful and gracious, and He welcomes those who sincerely turn back to Him (1 John 1:9).
Remember to study the entire chapter of 1 Samuel 28 and consider the broader context of Saul’s life and reign for a more comprehensive understanding of the passage.
