1 Samuel 28:10 – “Saul swore to her by the Lord, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, you will not be punished for this.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Saul, disguised and seeking the help of a medium, swears by the name of the Lord that she will not be punished for breaking the law he himself had enforced. This statement is particularly troubling because Saul is invoking God’s name to promise protection for an act that directly violates God’s commands. Saul’s desperation has led him to a point where he is willing to compromise everything, including the use of God’s holy name, to get the answers he seeks. His actions demonstrate how far he has fallen, using God’s name to justify something forbidden by God Himself.
Historical Context
Saul had previously outlawed all mediums and spiritists in Israel, following God’s command to avoid any form of witchcraft or communication with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). In earlier times, Saul had shown some level of obedience to God, driving out those who practiced these forbidden arts (1 Samuel 28:3). However, after years of disobedience and spiritual decline, Saul finds himself disconnected from God, facing a major military threat from the Philistines. In his desperation to seek guidance, Saul now turns to the very practices he had once condemned. By promising the medium safety, Saul blatantly disregards the law he had enforced and uses God’s name to assure her.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse reveals the deep moral compromise that occurs when people drift away from God. Saul’s use of God’s name to justify a sinful act is not only hypocritical but also a violation of the commandment against taking the Lord’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7). This moment shows that when we distance ourselves from God, we are more likely to twist His words or use His name inappropriately to justify our actions. Saul’s desperation highlights the danger of trying to manipulate God’s commands for personal gain, reminding us that God’s Word is not something to be used for selfish purposes.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse captures the tension between Saul’s former obedience and his current rebellion. The phrase “As surely as the Lord lives” is often used in Scripture to affirm a solemn vow or promise, yet here it is used in a deeply ironic and inappropriate context. The king who once enforced God’s laws is now using God’s name to encourage law-breaking. This contrast adds to the sense of tragedy in Saul’s story, as his moral and spiritual decline reaches new depths. The verse also builds suspense, as it becomes clear that Saul’s decisions are leading him further away from God’s plan.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12: The prohibition against mediums and spiritists, which Saul is violating in this passage.
- Exodus 20:7: The commandment against taking the Lord’s name in vain, which Saul disregards by using God’s name to justify his actions.
- 1 Samuel 15:23: Samuel’s earlier rebuke of Saul for rebellion, showing how Saul’s disobedience has progressively worsened over time.
- Matthew 5:33-37: Jesus’ teaching on not swearing by anything, but letting our “yes” be yes, and our “no” be no—Saul’s use of an oath contrasts with this instruction.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a sobering reminder of the importance of staying close to God and His Word. Saul’s actions show the danger of using God’s name to justify disobedience or sinful actions. In moments of fear or desperation, it can be tempting to twist God’s Word to fit our needs or desires. This verse encourages believers to remain faithful to God’s commands and to seek Him earnestly, even in times of uncertainty. Rather than using God’s name to endorse our own plans, we should humbly submit to His will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Despite Saul’s disobedience, this verse underscores God’s unchanging love and holiness. God’s commands are given out of love, to guide His people into truth and protect them from harm. Saul’s attempt to use God’s name for selfish purposes contrasts with God’s faithful character, showing us that God’s love is not a tool for manipulation but a constant source of grace and truth. While Saul misused God’s name, God remains steadfast in His commitment to lead His people in righteousness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse contrasts with the way Jesus fulfills the role of the perfect mediator between God and humanity. While Saul attempted to manipulate God’s name to protect himself, Jesus came to reconcile humanity to God in truth and love. Jesus warned against making oaths or swearing by God’s name lightly (Matthew 5:33-37), teaching that our words should reflect integrity. In Jesus, we see the ultimate example of submission to God’s will, even in moments of deep distress, as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus models the right way to respond to God’s guidance and authority.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were tempted to justify disobedience to God’s Word? How did you handle it?
- How can we ensure that we are using God’s name and Word with reverence, rather than for personal gain or manipulation?
- In what ways does Jesus’ example of submission to God’s will inspire you to seek God’s guidance, even in difficult or confusing situations?