1 Samuel 28: Saul's Incorrect Response to God's Silence

1 Samuel 28:  Saul's Incorrect Response to God's Silence


v1 - 10: God was silent to Saul

Samuel passed away and was buried in Ramah, his own city. 

The Philistines planned to go to war against Israel, and Achish asked David to accompany them. David, who had never killed any Israelites, nor wish to kill any, just replied with something vague: “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.”  David did not promise to kill Israelites but just said that he has the capability. Achish trusted David and made him his bodyguard. 

The Philistines encamped at Shumen, while Saul brought his army at Gilboa. Gilboa is in the mountainous region and Saul can see the multitude of Philistines armies assembled. Saul was extremely afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.

Saul inquired God what he should do, and expecting Him to support him. However God did not answer him as He has departed from Saul. Instead of repenting for his sins, Saul committed another sin by approaching a medium in En-dor in disguise. The medium even reminded him that the king (Saul himself) had banned mediums and necromancers, and that she will be killed if she is found practicing it. However, Saul promise her she will not be harmed for doing what she is told. 

Saul committed a sin he himself has banned, for it said in Deut 18:10, that "There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD."


v11 - 25: Samuel's last word to Saul

Saul asked her to bring up Samuel. When an old man in a robe emerge, Saul recognized that it was Samuel. The witch also screamed with horror, for she recognized both Saul and Samuel, whom she knows are against spiritism.  

Samuel asked Saul: "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" (v15) Saul told Samuel that he is in distress because of the Philistines and that God has turned away from him. Saul wants Samuel to tell him what to do. 

Samuel ask Saul an ironic question - "Why are you asking me, when God has turned you away?" (v16) Samuel reminded Saul that God has removed the kingdom from him and will give it to David. This was the consequences of him disobeying God.

Samuel also told Saul that the Lord will give Philistine the victory and that Saul and his sons will join Samuel in the battle. This is surprising, because even Saul will end up in paradise, by the grace of God. 

Saul was horrified with what Samuel said, and fell to the ground. The witch brought him some bread, for he had not eaten all day, but he would not eat until he was persuaded by her and his servants. The woman also killed a calf and cooked for Saul and his servant, before they left her place. 


Application

When God is silent, there has to be a reason. Most likely, it is because we have sinned and blocked him out of our relationship. Instead of going to someone else (especially a non-believer) to get an answer, we should repent and wait for Him to speak through the Word or through the Spirit. We can also speak to our pastors and confess to him our sins, to clear our path to God. 

 

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