Why would God, who had stopped answering Saul (1 Samuel 28:6), allow this forbidden method to convey His message?

Historical Context of 1 Samuel 28

1 Samuel 28 unfolds during a pivotal moment in Israel’s early monarchy. King Saul, once anointed by the prophet Samuel, now finds himself estranged from the LORD due to persistent disobedience (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22–23). Samuel has died, and David is rising as Israel’s next leader. In this passage, the Philistines threaten Israel, and Saul’s confidence in his own leadership has eroded. Despite attempting to seek divine guidance through proper means— “Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets” (1 Samuel 28:6)—he receives silence. Desperate, he turns to the forbidden practice of necromancy.

Saul’s Position as Rejected King

Earlier, Saul had explicitly been told that the kingdom would be taken from him (1 Samuel 15:28). His disobedience and lack of true repentance led to a critical fracture in his relationship with God. As the narratives in 1 Samuel document, Saul’s downfall became increasingly evident: he no longer received prophetic messages, and he struggled with bouts of distress (1 Samuel 16:14). This decline set the stage for his frantic search for answers in 1 Samuel 28.

The Prohibition of Necromancy

Scripture consistently forbids communication with the dead or any practice of witchcraft or divination. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 warns, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD...” Saul himself had once acted on this prohibition by removing mediums from the land (1 Samuel 28:3). Nevertheless, in desperation, he contradicts his own policy, visiting a medium to call up Samuel.

Why Would God Allow This Method?

Despite having “stopped answering Saul,” God appears to permit a final message through the very avenue He had outlawed. Several thoughtful considerations arise:

1. God’s Sovereign Choice to Judge

God’s rule includes a sovereign right to intervene even in circumstances He condemns. This does not legitimize the practice; rather, it underscores God’s power to override human sinfulness. Much like He used foreign nations to discipline Israel (Isaiah 10:5–7), here God uses this forbidden encounter to deliver a final pronouncement of judgment upon Saul (1 Samuel 28:17–19).

2. A Unique, One-Time Event

Scripture does not present necromancy as a valid or reliable channel of ongoing revelation. This moment in Saul’s life is recorded as an exceptional occurrence, not a divine endorsement. The text indicates the medium herself was startled—“When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out in a loud voice” (1 Samuel 28:12)—suggesting something beyond her usual practices.

3. A Last Reminder of Disobedience’s Consequences

The apparent appearance of Samuel rebukes Saul, confirming the end of his reign and foreshadowing his downfall (1 Samuel 28:18–19). This event stands as a somber witness to the consequences of rejecting the LORD. God leverages even the tragically wrong choice Saul makes to communicate a final declaration.

Was It Truly Samuel?

Commentators have long debated whether God allowed the true spirit of Samuel to appear, or whether this was a demonic impersonation. Yet the text straightforwardly states, “Then Samuel said to Saul...” (1 Samuel 28:15). The message aligns with prior prophetic words from Samuel (1 Samuel 15:28). Although Scripture does not exhaustively explain the mechanics of this event, its emphasis remains on God’s sovereignty. A mainstream interpretation within historic Christian orthodoxy is that God permitted the literal appearance of Samuel for this specific, divine purpose.

Lessons from Saul’s Experience

1. Warning Against Disobedience

The narrative exemplifies how rebellious choices toward God culminate in spiritual alienation. Saul’s tragedy warns believers not to ignore God’s commandments or persist in sin.

2. Danger of Seeking Illegitimate Spiritual Avenues

Scripture’s prohibition of occult practices, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:9–14, remains firmly in place. This chapter demonstrates that seeking forbidden means leads to deception, fear, and ultimate judgment. No one gains God’s favor through prohibited channels.

3. God’s Ultimate Control

Even when His chosen people rebel, God’s redemptive plan stands. Saul’s downfall made way for David, through whose line the Messiah would come (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12–16). This aligns with the overarching biblical narrative showing that human sin cannot overturn divine purposes.

4. Necessity of Genuine Repentance

Had Saul repented sincerely in earlier chapters, he might have experienced a different outcome. The silence from God underscores the seriousness of unrepentant sin. The answer is always to return to the LORD wholeheartedly (see Psalm 51:17).

Historical and Archaeological Corroboration

Archaeological findings from sites in the region of the ancient Kingdom of Israel (such as Khirbet Qeiyafa and others) have helped situate 1 and 2 Samuel in a real historical backdrop. While direct archaeological evidence for Saul’s activities is fragmentary, remnants of early Israelite settlement patterns are consistent with the biblical narratives describing a united monarchy. This supports the historicity of the events described, reinforcing that the biblical portrayal of Israel’s monarchy period reflects genuine history rather than myth.

Consistency with the Broader Scriptural Narrative

Passages such as Isaiah 8:19–20 again affirm the prohibition of seeking the dead for revelation, reinforcing the unchanging moral directive against witchcraft. The biblical storyline consistently warns that turning away from God’s Word leads to spiritual and national crisis—Saul’s downfall is one example in a unified scriptural testimony.

Practical Reflection

For individuals today, the caution is clear: one’s heart before God matters more than any external ritual. Attempts to circumvent God’s holiness or His parameters for worship result in futility. True communion with God is found in humble submission and obedience. Even in silence, believers are called to trust God’s revealed Word rather than break His commands to satisfy curiosity or desperation.

Conclusion

God’s choice to permit a final message through a forbidden method in 1 Samuel 28 highlights His absolute sovereignty and the gravity of disobedience. Saul’s consultation with a medium did not please God; it served instead as a vehicle for divine judgment and the final confirmation of Saul’s loss of the kingdom. This passage stands as a sobering reminder that the LORD’s will cannot be thwarted or sidestepped by disallowed spiritual practices. Instead, Scripture invites repentance, obedience, and reliance on the God whose plans are steadfast and whose Word is certain.