1 Samuel 28:10

Then Saul swore to her by the LORD: "As surely as the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this."

Study Bible

Then Saul swore to her by the LORD:
Saul, the first king of Israel, is in a desperate situation as he seeks guidance from a medium at Endor. This act is significant because it directly contradicts God's law, which forbids consulting mediums (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Saul's oath by the LORD is ironic, as he invokes the name of God while engaging in an act that God expressly condemns. This reflects Saul's spiritual decline and his failure to adhere to God's commands. The use of an oath indicates the seriousness of his promise, highlighting the gravity of his actions.

“As surely as the LORD lives,
This phrase is a common oath formula in the Old Testament, emphasizing the certainty and solemnity of the statement. It is often used to affirm truthfulness or commitment (e.g., 1 Samuel 14:39, 2 Samuel 4:9). Saul's use of this phrase is particularly poignant because it underscores the contradiction between his words and actions. While he acknowledges the living God, his actions demonstrate a lack of faith and obedience. This highlights the tension between Saul's outward religious expressions and his inner spiritual reality.

no punishment shall come upon you for this.”
Saul assures the medium that she will not face consequences for her actions, despite the fact that consulting with the dead was punishable by death under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 20:27). This promise reveals Saul's desperation and willingness to compromise God's law for his own purposes. It also reflects the chaotic state of Israel's leadership, as the king himself is willing to overlook divine commandments. This situation foreshadows the eventual downfall of Saul's reign and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience and the consequences of turning away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance from a medium at Endor after God has stopped answering him through prophets or dreams.

2. The Medium at Endor
A woman who practices necromancy, whom Saul consults in desperation despite having previously banned such practices in Israel.

3. Endor
A location in ancient Israel where the medium resided, highlighting Saul's departure from God's commands by seeking forbidden counsel.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, whom Saul invokes in his oath, ironically while engaging in an act contrary to God's law.

5. Samuel
The deceased prophet whom Saul wishes to consult through the medium, representing Saul's desire for divine guidance despite his disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Desperation
Saul's actions demonstrate how desperation can lead to compromising one's faith and principles. Believers should be cautious not to let fear drive them away from God's commands.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's disobedience to God's laws regarding mediums highlights the importance of adhering to God's Word, even when it seems inconvenient or difficult.

The Irony of Oaths
Saul swears by the LORD while engaging in an act that defies God's commands, illustrating the futility of invoking God's name without true obedience.

Seeking Godly Counsel
This passage serves as a reminder to seek guidance from God and His Word, rather than turning to ungodly sources in times of uncertainty.

The Importance of Repentance
Saul's failure to repent and seek God's forgiveness led him further into sin. Believers should be quick to repent and realign with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Saul's decision to consult a medium reveal about his spiritual state and relationship with God?

2. How does Saul's oath in 1 Samuel 28:10 reflect a misunderstanding or misuse of God's name and authority?

3. In what ways can desperation lead us to compromise our faith, and how can we guard against this?

4. How do the prohibitions against necromancy in Leviticus and Deuteronomy apply to modern-day practices and beliefs?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought guidance. How can James 1:5 encourage you to seek wisdom from God in future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:31
This verse warns against turning to mediums and spiritists, which Saul directly violates, showing his disobedience to God's law.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
These verses explicitly prohibit necromancy and other occult practices, underscoring the gravity of Saul's actions.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's earlier rebuke of Saul for disobedience, emphasizing that rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, which Saul now engages in.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, contrasting Saul's choice to seek guidance from a forbidden source.