I Samuel Chapter 28
Please read: I Samuel 28 –
This passage is a very good example of a passage that the meaning is not agreed upon by all. The major doctrines of the Bible (such as we are redeemed by the literal shed blood of Christ), are something we must always agree upon. But there may be little areas of differences of opinion. When reading the Bible, it is sometimes helpful to read commentary books written by men who have studied the scriptures and the original languages extensively. My original thoughts on this passage changed because of reading the works of commentaries. I thought that when I read that Saul approached a medium or a necromancer (one who attempts to speak to the dead), that the appearance of Samuel who had died previously must have been a demonic appearance. But a commentator reminded me that God allowed the spirits of Moses and Elijah to be present even at the transfiguration of Jesus. God is God and He can do what He sees as best.
Being perfectly honest, the part that really bothered me, is that God would allow this message to Saul to come in the presence of someone who practiced the occult. The commentators reminded me of the great mercy of God and in allowing Saul to see the spirit of Samuel one last time, He was giving Saul one final chance to repent of his sins. Sadly, we do not read that Saul did that. His heart was so hardened that he merely accepted the words that the next day would be his last as he faced the Philistines in battle. Nothing could change the heart of Saul, not even hearing that his sons would also die in battle with him.
Let's Reflect
1. We read in the first verse that David’s actions have now backfired on him, and he is called to fight with the Philistines against David’s own people, Israel. Thankfully the king of the Philistines said that David would serve in what role?
2. There is a reminder that Samuel had died. He was the spiritual leader that Saul once depended on. But since he was gone and Saul’s heart was hardened against God, even when he did seek answers from God, what happened?
3. At one point in the past Saul had done the right thing and cast out all people of the occult such as witches and mediums. Now he was desperate, fearing for his life, knowing he would face the great army of the Philistines. Where did his servants say he could find a medium he could speak to?
4. When this medium saw the spirit of Samuel how did she react?
5. Verse 16 gives us a hint that this truly was the spirit of Samuel. Evil spirits will tell people what they want to hear. What did he say?
6. Samuel reminded Saul of when his disobedience against a direct order of God was the start of his troubles. What did Samuel remind Saul of that he had done? See verse 18.
7. In verse 19 Samuel gave Saul more bad news. What was the news?
8. Instead of acting in repentance, how did Saul react to the news?
9. Saul had not eaten all day. Great fear can do that to us; cause us to lose our appetite. The woman of the occult wanted to help Saul. What did she do for him?
10. This final question is more of a reminder that we all must think about as believers when we pray for those who are not believers – we must never stop praying that the truth will sink into their heart and that they will submit to Jesus Christ before it is too late. Who will you be praying for today that their heart will be softened and they will give their life to Jesus?
