1 Samuel 28:13
The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even in her terror, the woman's description isn't just of a spooky apparition, but of a "god coming up out of the earth." This hints at the ancient understanding of spirits as connected to the underworld, making her fear deeply rooted in the supernatural beliefs of the time and setting the stage for Saul's desperate situation.
King Saul, desperate and abandoned by God, seeks out a medium in Endor after all other attempts to discern God's will fail. He is looking for guidance regarding an impending battle against the Philistines, a battle he knows he is likely to lose. The woman's prophecy that follows directly reveals the dire spiritual state Saul is in and foreshadows his impending defeat and death.
King Saul was in a terrifying situation, facing a powerful enemy. In his fear, he turned to a forbidden source of help. What does this tell us about his heart and his leadership?
A King's Forbidden Consultation
Saul was at the end of his rope. The Philistines were gathered for battle, and God had refused to answer his prayers, even through dreams or prophets.
In his desperation, Saul broke God's law by seeking out a medium, a woman who claimed to commune with the dead. This wasn't just a casual inquiry; it was a direct defiance of a clear command from God that forbade such practices (Leviticus 19:31). It reveals a king who, in his crisis, prioritized finding any answer over obeying the God who had once anointed him.
His initial words, 'Do not be afraid,' are ironic. He's trying to calm the medium, but he himself is likely terrified, both of his impending battle and of the very act he's committing.
The medium describes seeing 'a god coming up out of the earth.' But was it truly a divine being? What's really happening here, and why is it so dangerous?
A Phantom or a Demon?
When the woman describes 'a god coming up,' it's crucial to understand what's likely occurring. The Bible is clear: God does not endorse or participate in necromancy (seeking wisdom from the dead through forbidden means).
What Saul experienced was not a genuine divine encounter, but a spiritual deception. Whether it was a demon impersonating the deceased prophet Samuel, or some other dark spiritual manifestation, it served Satan's purpose: to further deceive and entrap Saul.
The appearance of a divine or authoritative figure is often how deception works. The medium herself is terrified, suggesting she's dealing with something powerful and frightening, which aligns with demonic activity rather than true spiritual communication.
Understand the original words
elohim · Hebrew Noun
A term used in the Old Testament to describe supernatural beings or powerful entities. In this context, it reflects the medium's perception of an otherworldly visitor rising from the grave.
This encounter with the medium at Endor happens just before Saul's final, fatal battle. His desperate, forbidden act reveals the depth of his spiritual and political crisis, facing imminent military defeat and divine abandonment.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift in Israelite governance from judges to monarchy.
c. 1025 BC
Growing Philistine Threat
The Philistines, a powerful naval people, become Israel's primary adversary, frequently clashing with Saul's forces and controlling key territories.
c. 1015 BC
Saul's Rejection by God
Saul disobeys God's direct commands, leading Samuel to declare that his kingdom will not continue, causing deep despair for Saul.
c. 1012 BC
Saul Bans Mediums and Diviners
In an attempt to secure his reign and honor God, Saul commands that all mediums and spiritists be expelled from Israel.
c. 1010 BC
This passage directly warns against seeking out mediums and necromancers, reinforcing the prohibition against Saul’s actions and the spiritual danger involved.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12This Deuteronomy passage lists the very practices Saul is engaging in as detestable to the Lord, highlighting the severity of his disobedience and the spiritual realm he was dabbling in.
1 Samuel 15:23This verse explains that rebellion is like the sin of divination, showing that Saul’s pursuit of forbidden knowledge through the medium is a form of rejecting God’s authority, which had already led to his kingship being rejected.
Isaiah 8:19This prophecy condemns those who consult spirits and mediums, echoing the same spiritual corruption that Saul was involved in, warning against seeking the dead for counsel instead of the living God.
Even in her terror, the woman's description isn't just of a spooky apparition, but of a "god coming up out of the earth." This hints at the ancient understanding of spirits as connected to the underworld, making her fear deeply rooted in the supernatural beliefs of the time and setting the stage for Saul's desperate situation.
King Saul, desperate and abandoned by God, seeks out a medium in Endor after all other attempts to discern God's will fail. He is looking for guidance regarding an impending battle against the Philistines, a battle he knows he is likely to lose. The woman's prophecy that follows directly reveals the dire spiritual state Saul is in and foreshadows his impending defeat and death.
King Saul, desperate and abandoned by God, seeks out a medium in Endor after all other attempts to discern God's will fail. He is looking for guidance regarding an impending battle against the Philistines, a battle he knows he is likely to lose. The woman's prophecy that follows directly reveals the dire spiritual state Saul is in and foreshadows his impending defeat and death.
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Battle of Mount Gilboa
The Philistines muster for a decisive battle against Israel at Mount Gilboa, a conflict Saul deeply fears.
c. 1010 BC
Saul's Death
Defeated and mortally wounded at the Battle of Mount Gilboa, Saul takes his own life. The Philistines display his body, a devastating blow to Israel.
"The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.”" — Even in her terror, the woman's description isn't just of a spooky apparition, but of a "god coming up out of the earth." This hints at the ancient understanding of spirits as connected to the underw…
