1 Samuel 28:11 – “Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he said.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the medium from Endor asks Saul (who is still in disguise) whom he wants her to summon. Saul’s answer is to bring up Samuel, the deceased prophet who had once been his guide and counselor. This request reveals Saul’s deep desperation and spiritual confusion. Samuel had been a strong spiritual leader during Saul’s early reign, but their relationship had deteriorated after Saul repeatedly disobeyed God’s commands. Now, with no access to God’s guidance, Saul seeks answers by turning to the very man who had once told him that God had rejected him as king. This act shows how far Saul has strayed, both spiritually and morally, as he tries to summon Samuel from the dead, an act strictly forbidden by God.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, consulting the dead was explicitly prohibited by God’s law (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Such practices were common in the pagan cultures surrounding Israel, but God had called His people to be distinct, relying on Him alone for guidance. Samuel, who had served as a prophet and judge in Israel, had been the one to anoint Saul as king and to later rebuke him when Saul disobeyed God. By this point in the story, Samuel has died (1 Samuel 25:1), and Saul is facing a crisis as the Philistines prepare to attack. Instead of seeking God through repentance, Saul chooses to consult a medium, hoping to hear from Samuel beyond the grave. This act reflects the spiritual decay in Saul’s life and the consequences of turning away from God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the dangerous path Saul has chosen in seeking answers outside of God’s revealed will. Consulting the dead, as Saul attempts to do, represents a lack of faith in God’s provision and guidance. It is a stark example of how disobedience can lead to deeper rebellion, as Saul disregards God’s command and turns to a practice that is not only forbidden but spiritually dangerous. This verse also shows the futility of trying to manipulate God or His servants, as Saul seeks answers from Samuel, a man who had clearly told him that God had rejected him as king. Saul’s request illustrates how, when people turn away from God, they can be led to rely on desperate and sinful measures.
Literary Analysis
This verse is a turning point in the narrative, illustrating the depth of Saul’s spiritual downfall. The exchange between Saul and the medium is short, but it reveals the intense desperation of Saul’s situation. The medium’s question, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” emphasizes her willingness to engage in this forbidden practice, while Saul’s response, “Bring up Samuel,” carries significant weight. By invoking the name of Samuel, the prophet who had once been his spiritual guide, Saul is symbolically reaching back to a time when he had access to God’s voice. The brevity of the dialogue highlights the tension and the moral darkness in which Saul now operates.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12: God’s law forbidding witchcraft and consulting the dead, which Saul violates by seeking out the medium.
- 1 Samuel 15:26: Samuel tells Saul that God has rejected him as king, a pivotal moment that eventually leads to Saul’s downward spiral.
- Leviticus 19:31: A command to avoid mediums and spiritists, reflecting the seriousness of Saul’s disobedience.
- Isaiah 8:19: A warning against consulting the dead, urging people to seek guidance from God instead.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God alone for guidance. Saul’s decision to consult a medium shows the dangers of turning to the wrong sources for answers, especially in times of fear or uncertainty. When God seems silent, it can be tempting to look elsewhere for guidance, but this verse encourages believers to trust in God’s timing and remain faithful to His Word. Saul’s desperation led him to violate God’s commands, reminding us of the spiritual consequences of relying on human solutions instead of trusting in God’s wisdom.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Despite Saul’s disobedience, this verse reflects God’s unchanging love and desire for His people to rely on Him. God’s prohibition against consulting the dead was given to protect His people from spiritual harm and to ensure that they sought His guidance alone. Even in Saul’s rebellion, God’s love remains steadfast, offering mercy to those who turn back to Him. Saul’s actions contrast with the path of faith and obedience that God lovingly offers to all His people, demonstrating that God’s ways are always for our good.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse contrasts sharply with the access to God that believers now have through Jesus Christ. While Saul sought to bring up the spirit of Samuel, Christians are invited to come directly to God through Jesus, who is the perfect mediator (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus provides the way for us to seek God’s wisdom and guidance without the need for any intermediary. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers have access to God’s presence and the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). Saul’s attempt to communicate with the dead highlights the brokenness of the human condition without God, while Jesus offers the perfect solution to our spiritual needs.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you respond when it feels like God is silent? What steps can you take to remain faithful in those moments?
- In what ways can we avoid seeking answers outside of God’s will when facing difficult decisions or uncertainty?
- How does knowing that Jesus provides direct access to God encourage you to trust in Him rather than seeking guidance in worldly or forbidden practices?