“And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof.”
1 Samuel 28:24 is part of a larger narrative that takes place during the reign of King Saul. In this chapter, Saul consults a medium, the witch of Endor, to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. The verse you mentioned occurs after the witch has prepared a meal for Saul and his men. In this particular verse, we see that the woman who hosted Saul and his men had a fat calf in her house. She quickly took the calf and killed it. Then, she took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread. This verse serves as a detail within the broader story of Saul’s visit to the witch of Endor. However, it also highlights certain aspects worth noting:
Hospitality:The woman demonstrated hospitality by offering a meal to Saul and his men. Despite the questionable circumstances surrounding their visit, she took the initiative to prepare a generous feast.
Preparation:The woman quickly responded to the presence of important guests by taking the calf, killing it, and preparing a meal. Her efficiency and resourcefulness are evident as she gathered the necessary ingredients and baked unleavened bread.
Symbolism:The choice of using unleavened bread is significant. In the Bible, leaven often symbolises sin and corruption, while unleavened bread represents purity and sincerity. This choice could be seen as a contrast to the dark and forbidden nature of Saul’s actions in seeking guidance from a medium.
Overall, this verse illustrates the narrative context of Saul’s visit to the witch of Endor and highlights the woman’s swift and diligent actions in hosting Saul and his men. It serves as a reminder of the importance of hospitality and the significance of symbolism within biblical accounts.
