1 Samuel 28:15

Then Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" "I am deeply distressed," replied Saul. "The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do."

Study Bible

Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”
This phrase occurs during a unique and controversial event where Saul seeks guidance from a medium at Endor. Samuel, a prophet who had died, is brought up, which raises questions about the afterlife and the prohibition against necromancy in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. The disturbance of Samuel suggests a violation of divine order, as God had ceased communication with Saul due to his disobedience. This moment underscores the seriousness of seeking forbidden spiritual practices.

“I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul.
Saul's distress highlights his desperation and fear. The Philistines, a constant threat to Israel, were advancing, and Saul felt abandoned. This emotional turmoil reflects Saul's spiritual decline and the consequences of his earlier disobedience, such as failing to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). His distress is compounded by the absence of divine guidance, illustrating the spiritual void in his leadership.

“The Philistines are fighting against me,
The Philistines were a formidable enemy of Israel, often mentioned throughout the books of Samuel. Their military prowess and strategic locations posed significant threats. This conflict is part of a larger narrative of Israel's struggle to establish itself in the Promised Land. Saul's inability to effectively deal with the Philistines contrasts with David's later successes, highlighting the shift in divine favor.

and God has turned away from me.
Saul's acknowledgment of God's departure is a pivotal moment. It reflects the fulfillment of Samuel's earlier prophecy that the kingdom would be torn from Saul due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:28). This turning away signifies a loss of divine favor and guidance, a theme echoed in other scriptures where God withdraws from those who persist in sin (e.g., Isaiah 59:2).

He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams.
In ancient Israel, God communicated through prophets, dreams, and the Urim and Thummim. Saul's lack of communication from God indicates a severed relationship, as these were primary means of divine guidance. This silence contrasts with the active communication God had with David, emphasizing the consequences of Saul's disobedience and the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with God.

So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”
Saul's decision to consult Samuel, even through forbidden means, underscores his desperation. It reflects a misguided attempt to seek guidance outside of God's will, highlighting the dangers of turning to occult practices. This act is a culmination of Saul's spiritual decline and foreshadows his impending downfall. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience and reliance on God alone for guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet of God who had died prior to this event. He was a significant spiritual leader in Israel and had anointed Saul as king.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is in a state of desperation due to the Philistine threat and God's silence.

3. Philistines
A recurring enemy of Israel, posing a significant military threat to Saul and his kingdom at this time.

4. Endor
The location where Saul seeks out a medium to summon Samuel, despite having previously banned such practices.

5. Medium of Endor
A woman who practices necromancy, whom Saul consults in his desperation to hear from Samuel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's disobedience led to God's silence. This serves as a warning about the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God.

Seeking God in the Right Way
Saul's attempt to contact Samuel through a medium shows a misguided approach to seeking divine guidance. We must seek God through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel, not through forbidden practices.

The Importance of Repentance
Saul's lack of genuine repentance is evident. True repentance involves turning away from sin and seeking God's forgiveness, which restores our relationship with Him.

The Role of Fear and Desperation
Fear can drive us to make poor decisions, as seen in Saul's actions. Trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His peace is crucial in times of distress.

God's Faithfulness Despite Human Failure
Even when Saul fails, God's plan for Israel continues through David. This reminds us of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, regardless of human shortcomings.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. How can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in a way that aligns with His Word?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to restore that relationship, and how can Saul's account inform your approach?

4. In what ways can fear and desperation lead us away from God's will, and how can we combat these feelings with faith?

5. How does understanding God's faithfulness, despite human failure, encourage you in your personal walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 15
This chapter details Saul's disobedience to God's command, which led to God rejecting him as king. This background is crucial to understanding why God is silent in 1 Samuel 28:15.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
These verses condemn practices like necromancy, which Saul resorts to, highlighting his departure from God's law.

Psalm 66:18
This verse speaks to the principle that unconfessed sin can hinder communication with God, relevant to Saul's situation.