1 Samuel 28:7

Then Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her." "There is a medium at Endor," his servants replied.

Study Bible

Then Saul said to his servants
At this point in the narrative, King Saul is in a state of desperation. The Philistines are preparing to attack, and God has stopped communicating with him through prophets or dreams. Saul's request to his servants indicates his reliance on human counsel rather than divine guidance, highlighting his spiritual decline. This moment contrasts with earlier in his reign when he sought God's will through Samuel.

“Find me a woman who is a medium
Saul's request for a medium, or necromancer, is significant because it directly contradicts God's law. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly forbids consulting mediums, as it is considered an abomination. Saul himself had previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), making his request even more hypocritical and desperate. This act underscores Saul's departure from God's commands and his increasing reliance on forbidden practices.

so I can go and consult her.”
Saul's desire to consult a medium reflects his fear and uncertainty. He seeks guidance from the dead, specifically the prophet Samuel, whom he believes can provide the counsel he desperately needs. This action demonstrates Saul's lack of faith in God's sovereignty and his willingness to resort to pagan practices. It also foreshadows the tragic consequences of turning away from God.

“There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied.
Endor was a town located in the territory of Issachar, near the Jezreel Valley. The mention of Endor is significant because it was outside the immediate control of Saul's kingdom, indicating the lengths to which he was willing to go to find a medium. The fact that his servants knew of a medium's location suggests that despite Saul's earlier ban, such practices continued in secret. This response highlights the spiritual decay within Israel and the failure to fully eradicate pagan influences.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in his life, Saul is desperate and fearful due to the impending battle with the Philistines and God's silence.

2. Servants of Saul
These individuals serve the king and are tasked with finding a medium, despite the fact that Saul had previously expelled such individuals from the land.

3. Medium at Endor
A woman who practices necromancy, which is forbidden by God. She resides in Endor, a location within the territory of Israel.

4. Endor
A town in the territory of Issachar, known in this context for harboring a medium despite Saul's earlier ban on such practices.

5. Philistines
The enemies of Israel, whose impending attack causes Saul to seek guidance through forbidden means.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Desperation
Saul's desperation led him to seek guidance from a source he knew was against God's law. In times of fear and uncertainty, we must remember to turn to God and His Word, rather than forbidden or ungodly sources.

The Importance of Obedience
Saul's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Disobedience can lead us further away from God's presence and guidance.

The Danger of Compromise
Saul's decision to consult a medium, despite knowing God's law, shows how compromise can lead to spiritual downfall. We must remain steadfast in our faith and convictions.

Seeking God in Silence
When God seems silent, it is crucial to remain patient and trust in His timing, rather than seeking answers through ungodly means.

The Role of Godly Counsel
Surrounding ourselves with godly counsel can help us make decisions that align with God's will, rather than relying on those who may lead us astray.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. How can we apply the lessons from Saul's disobedience to our own lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance, even when He seems silent or distant?

4. How does the prohibition against mediums and spiritists in the Old Testament apply to modern-day practices and beliefs?

5. What steps can we take to avoid compromising our faith and convictions in a world that often encourages such compromises?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12
These passages explicitly forbid the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists, highlighting the gravity of Saul's actions.

1 Samuel 15:23
This verse connects Saul's disobedience to witchcraft, emphasizing the seriousness of rebellion against God's commands.

Isaiah 8:19
This scripture warns against seeking mediums and spiritists, urging people to seek God instead.