1 Samuel 28:23

Saul refused, saying, "I will not eat." But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed.

Study Bible

Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.”
Saul's refusal to eat reflects his deep distress and fear after his encounter with the spirit of Samuel. This moment occurs during a time of great personal and national crisis for Saul, as the Philistine army threatens Israel. Saul's refusal can be seen as a sign of his despair and loss of hope, as he faces the consequences of his disobedience to God. In biblical culture, fasting was often associated with mourning or seeking divine intervention, but here it seems to be more about his emotional state.

But his servants joined the woman in urging him,
The servants and the woman, who is the medium at Endor, show concern for Saul's well-being. This reflects the cultural practice of hospitality and care for one's leader, even in dire circumstances. The urging of the servants and the woman highlights the communal aspect of decision-making in ancient Israel, where leaders were often surrounded by advisors and supporters who played a role in guiding their actions.

and he heeded their voice.
Saul's decision to listen to his servants and the woman indicates a moment of vulnerability and reliance on others. This is significant because it contrasts with his earlier disobedience to God's commands, where he often acted independently or against divine guidance. The phrase suggests a temporary submission to human counsel, which stands in stark contrast to his failure to heed divine instruction throughout his reign.

He got up from the ground and sat on the bed.
Saul's physical movement from the ground to the bed symbolizes a shift from a state of despair to a more stable position, albeit temporarily. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sitting on a bed could imply a return to a semblance of normalcy or readiness to receive sustenance. This action may also foreshadow his impending downfall, as it is a brief respite before the fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy regarding his defeat and death. The bed, a place of rest, contrasts with the turmoil in Saul's heart and the impending doom he faces.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is in a state of desperation and fear as he faces the Philistine army. His refusal to eat signifies his deep distress and hopelessness.

2. The Woman (Medium of Endor)
A medium whom Saul consults to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel, despite having previously banned such practices in Israel. Her role is pivotal in this account as she provides Saul with the message from Samuel.

3. Servants of Saul
They accompany Saul to Endor and play a role in persuading him to eat, showing their concern for his well-being.

4. Endor
A location in ancient Israel where the medium resides. It becomes the setting for this significant and controversial event in Saul's life.

5. Philistines
The enemy force that Saul is preparing to face, contributing to his fear and desperation.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's actions demonstrate the spiritual decline that results from persistent disobedience to God. His desperation leads him to seek guidance from forbidden sources, illustrating the dangers of straying from God's commands.

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Saul's reliance on a medium rather than seeking Godly counsel highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with advisors who encourage obedience to God.

Desperation and Fear
Fear can drive individuals to make poor decisions. Saul's fear of the Philistines leads him to act against God's law. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty rather than succumbing to fear.

The Role of Community
The servants' concern for Saul's physical well-being shows the importance of community in times of distress. Believers should support one another, encouraging faithfulness to God.

Repentance and Restoration
Saul's account serves as a cautionary tale about the need for repentance. Believers are reminded of the opportunity for restoration through genuine repentance and turning back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Saul's refusal to eat reveal about his state of mind and spiritual condition at this point in the account?

2. How does Saul's decision to consult a medium contrast with God's commands in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, and what can we learn from this about obedience?

3. In what ways can fear lead us away from trusting in God, and how can we combat this tendency in our own lives?

4. How can we ensure that we are seeking Godly counsel in our decision-making processes, and what role does community play in this?

5. Reflecting on Saul's account, what steps can we take to ensure that we remain obedient to God and open to repentance when we fall short?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage condemns the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists, highlighting Saul's disobedience to God's commands.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's earlier rebuke of Saul for disobedience, emphasizing that rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, which connects to Saul's current actions.

Psalm 23:4
Contrasts Saul's fear and lack of trust in God with the psalmist's confidence in God's protection even in the valley of the shadow of death.