1 Samuel 28:6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. I. A FREQUENT EXPERIENCE OF THOSE WHO SEEK GOD. It is neither an universal nor invariable one, else prayer would become impossible. But it is sufficiently frequent to occasion grave spiritual difficulty. 1. In apparent contradiction of Divine promise. Of Israel, even in Egypt, it was said, "I will surely hear their cry" (Exodus 22:23). (Zechariah 10:1.) (Psalm 86:7.) How strong are the assurances of Christ. (Matthew 7:7-11.) 2. Disastrous in its effect upon the life of the soul. If it be true that "where there is no vision the people perish," equally so is it that when no Divine voice speaks to the soul it must cease to live. As the plant withers in the gloom of the cellar, the soul that knows not the sunshine of the Father's smile cannot be healthy or vigorous. 3. A source of uneasiness and sorrow. It is not only right but in the best sense natural that man should seek God; there is no deeper source of dissatisfaction and restlessness than a baffled instinct. II. AN EXPERIENCE TO BE INTERPRETED. Even the silence of God has a meaning. Rightly interrogated it may prove a precious revelation. In any case the possibilities are too grave for the "sign" to be neglected. 1. God is sometimes supposed to be silent when He is not. Answers to prayer are not always at once or easily apparent. 2. His silence is not always a token of displeasure. It may be simply (1) directive; our request unwise, etc. Or it may be (2) stimulative; as when the Syro-phoenician woman grew importunate when He "answered her nothing." 3. Yet it is often expressive of Divine wrath.It must not be regarded as a light thing. 1. It may be intended to invite to inward examination and repentance. Some unfaithfulness; a falling from grace; it may be direct disobedience. The Holy One is saying, by His silence, "Come up higher. I cannot speak to you there!" 2. It sometimes occurs, as in the case of Saul, in token of doom. The gracious lips of Christ were silent before a Pilate and a Herod. (A. F. Muir, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. |
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