1 Samuel 28:6

He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

Study Bible

He inquired of the LORD
In the context of 1 Samuel 28, Saul is facing a dire situation with the Philistines, and he seeks guidance from God. This reflects a common practice in ancient Israel where leaders and individuals sought divine direction. However, Saul's inquiry is marked by desperation rather than genuine faith, as his previous disobedience and rejection of God's commands have led to his current predicament. This highlights the importance of a consistent relationship with God rather than seeking Him only in times of crisis.

but the LORD did not answer him
God's silence is significant here. Throughout the Old Testament, God's communication with His people is contingent upon their obedience and faithfulness. Saul's earlier disobedience, such as his failure to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), has led to his rejection as king. This silence serves as a divine judgment and a fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy that the kingdom would be torn from Saul (1 Samuel 15:28).

by dreams
Dreams were one of the ways God communicated with His people, as seen with figures like Joseph (Genesis 37) and Daniel (Daniel 2). The absence of dreams indicates a severed line of communication between Saul and God, emphasizing Saul's spiritual decline and the gravity of his situation.

or Urim
The Urim and Thummim were priestly tools used for divination, often associated with the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:30). They were a means for the Israelites to discern God's will. Saul's inability to receive guidance through the Urim suggests a breakdown in the religious order, possibly due to his own actions, such as the massacre of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22).

or prophets
Prophets were God's messengers, and Samuel had been a key prophetic figure in Saul's life. With Samuel's death (1 Samuel 25:1), Saul loses his primary prophetic connection. This absence underscores the void left by Samuel and the lack of any other prophetic voice willing or able to guide Saul, further isolating him spiritually and politically.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance from the Lord but receives no answer. His reign is marked by disobedience and a gradual departure from God's favor.

2. The LORD
The God of Israel, who is silent in response to Saul's inquiries due to Saul's previous disobedience and rejection of God's commands.

3. Dreams, Urim, Prophets
The traditional means by which God communicated with His people. Dreams were often used by God to reveal His will, the Urim (part of the high priest's breastplate) was used for divination, and prophets were God's messengers.

4. Endor
The location Saul visits after this verse, seeking a medium, which further demonstrates his desperation and departure from God's ways.

5. Samuel
The prophet who had previously anointed Saul and served as a spiritual guide for Israel. His death left Saul without a direct prophetic voice.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's inability to hear from God is a direct result of his disobedience. This serves as a warning that persistent sin can lead to spiritual silence.

The Importance of Seeking God Early
Saul's desperation highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent relationship with God, rather than seeking Him only in times of crisis.

God's Faithfulness to His Word
Despite Saul's failure, God's silence is consistent with His character and His previous warnings. God remains faithful to His word, even when it involves judgment.

The Dangers of Desperation
Saul's subsequent actions show how desperation can lead to further sin. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and remain faithful, even when answers are delayed.

The Role of Prophets and Scripture
In the absence of direct revelation, believers today have the completed canon of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to guide them, emphasizing the importance of regular Bible study and prayer.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Saul's experience teach us about the importance of obedience in our relationship with God?

2. How can we ensure that we are seeking God consistently, rather than only in times of crisis?

3. In what ways can unconfessed sin affect our communication with God, and how can we address this in our lives?

4. How does the account of Saul illustrate the dangers of seeking guidance outside of God's prescribed means?

5. How can we apply the principles of James 1:5-8 in our daily decision-making and spiritual growth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 15
Saul's disobedience in not fully destroying the Amalekites, which led to God's rejection of him as king.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
God's prohibition against seeking mediums and spiritists, which Saul violates after this verse.

Psalm 66:18
The principle that unconfessed sin can hinder communication with God.

Proverbs 1:28-29
The warning that those who reject wisdom may call on God but not receive an answer.

James 1:5-8
Encouragement to ask God for wisdom with faith, contrasting Saul's lack of faith and obedience.