1 Samuel 28:19
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's striking that Samuel, after delivering this devastating prophecy, doesn't just blame Saul. He points out that "the LORD will give Israel also into the hand of the Philistines," emphasizing that this isn't just a personal downfall for Saul, but a national consequence for the whole nation. This means Saul's actions have brought judgment not only on himself and his family, but on all of Israel.
Moreover, the LORD will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The LORD will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Saul, desperate and abandoned by God after rejecting Him, seeks out a medium in Endor to contact the deceased prophet Samuel. Samuel's spirit, conjured against God's will, rebukes Saul and pronounces a grim prophecy of impending defeat and death for Saul and his army at the hands of the Philistines, confirming God's judgment upon him. This chilling encounter sets the stage for the tragic events of the following day, where Saul and his sons indeed fall in battle.
Saul thought he could manipulate his fate, but the prophet Samuel's words revealed a terrifying truth. What does this reveal about God's sovereign word?
Even though Saul was seeking guidance from a medium, it was God's prophet, Samuel, who delivered the message. This highlights that God's word and judgment are final, regardless of how one tries to circumvent them.
God's Unwavering Verdict
Saul's desperate act of seeking the dead Samuel was a sign of his complete rejection by God. The prophecy delivered here is not a conditional warning but a declaration of a settled verdict. God's pronouncements carry weight and consequence that cannot be altered by human schemes or disobedience.
The Weight of Leadership
As king, Saul's actions impacted all of Israel. The prophecy explicitly states "Israel also with you," indicating a collective consequence for his leadership failures. This reminds us that leadership carries a heavy responsibility before God.
Saul was desperate for an answer, but not from the source he should have trusted. What does his predicament reveal about the end of spiritual rebellion?
Saul's consultation with the witch of Endor was a final act of defiance. He had repeatedly rejected God's commands and prophets, and now, in his darkest hour, he sought forbidden counsel.
A Path of No Return
Ask a follow-up
This verse signifies that Saul had reached a point of no return. His choices had led him away from any possibility of God's present favor or intervention in the way he desired. The judgment pronounced is a direct result of his long-standing disobedience and spiritual apostasy.
The Company of the Lost
Samuel's chilling statement, 'tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me,' speaks of a shared destiny in death resulting from their rebellion. It's a stark reminder that persistent disobedience leads to separation from God and a joining with those who are eternally lost.
Understand the original words
Pelishti · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Philistines were a maritime people who settled in the coastal plains of Canaan, serving as a primary military and spiritual adversary to Israel throughout the period of the judges and early monarchy.
This verse captures the chilling prophecy delivered to a desperate King Saul on the eve of his final battle. It highlights his spiritual isolation and the tragic culmination of his reign, set against the backdrop of intense conflict between Israel and the Philistines.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
The prophet Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, fulfilling the people's desire for monarchy. This marks a significant shift in Israel's governance.
c. 1025 BC
David Rises to Prominence
David, a young shepherd, gains fame by defeating the Philistine champion Goliath. This victory ignites both hope in Israel and deep animosity from Saul.
c. 1015 BC
Saul's Decline and Rejection
Saul repeatedly disobeys God's commands, leading to his rejection as king. He becomes increasingly desperate and paranoid, especially regarding David.
c. 1012 BC
David Flees Saul
Fearing for his life, David flees from Saul and lives as a fugitive, gathering an army of disgruntled Israelites and foreigners. He eventually seeks refuge with the Philistines.
c. 1010 BC
David Dwellings with Philistines
David and his men serve under the Philistine king Achish at Ziklag, raiding neighboring territories. This period places David in direct proximity to the Philistine war machine against Israel.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
Battle of Mount Gilboa
The Philistines muster for a decisive battle against Israel. King Saul, seeking guidance from a medium at Endor the night before, is given a dire prophecy of defeat and death.
c. 1010 BC
Death of Saul and Sons
The Philistines win a crushing victory at Mount Gilboa. King Saul and three of his sons, including Jonathan, are killed in battle, fulfilling the prophecy.
This verse echoes the same theme of rejection and loss of the kingdom, as Samuel tells Saul that because he rejected the word of the LORD, the LORD has also rejected him from being king. Both passages speak to severe consequences of disobedience.
1 Samuel 15:26Samuel tells Saul, 'I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.' This mirrors the witch of Endor's prophecy to Saul that he and his sons would be 'with me,' signifying death and separation from the kingdom.
2 Samuel 1:19This lament over Saul and Jonathan's death directly reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy in 1 Samuel 28:19, describing how 'the beauty of Israel is slain upon your high places! How are the mighty fallen!' It highlights the tragic end that came upon Saul and his sons.
1 Kings 20:28A prophet confronts Ahab, telling him that because the Arameans claimed that the LORD is a god of the hills but not of the valleys, Israel will defeat them. This passage shows how God's people can be subject to judgment when they turn away from Him, similar to Saul's fate.
It's striking that Samuel, after delivering this devastating prophecy, doesn't just blame Saul. He points out that "the LORD will give Israel also into the hand of the Philistines," emphasizing that this isn't just a personal downfall for Saul, but a national consequence for the whole nation. This means Saul's actions have brought judgment not only on himself and his family, but on all of Israel.
King Saul, desperate and abandoned by God after rejecting Him, seeks out a medium in Endor to contact the deceased prophet Samuel. Samuel's spirit, conjured against God's will, rebukes Saul and pronounces a grim prophecy of impending defeat and death for Saul and his army at the hands of the Philistines, confirming God's judgment upon him. This chilling encounter sets the stage for the tragic events of the following day, where Saul and his sons indeed fall in battle.
King Saul, desperate and abandoned by God after rejecting Him, seeks out a medium in Endor to contact the deceased prophet Samuel. Samuel's spirit, conjured against God's will, rebukes Saul and pronounces a grim prophecy of impending defeat and death for Saul and his army at the hands of the Philistines, confirming God's judgment upon him. This chilling encounter sets the stage for the tragic events of the following day, where Saul and his sons indeed fall in battle.
"Moreover, the LORD will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The LORD will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”" — It's striking that Samuel, after delivering this devastating prophecy, doesn't just blame Saul. He points out that "the LORD will give Israel also into the hand of the Philistines," emphasizing that…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
