1 Samuel 28:15 – “Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ ‘I am in great distress,’ Saul said. ‘The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the spirit of Samuel speaks to Saul, asking why he has been disturbed. Saul, in desperation, explains that he is in distress because the Philistines are preparing for battle and God has stopped answering him. Saul mentions that God is no longer communicating with him through prophets or dreams, leaving him feeling abandoned and without guidance. In his despair, Saul has turned to the forbidden practice of consulting the dead through a medium, hoping that Samuel might provide the answers he longs for. The verse highlights Saul’s desperation and the depth of his spiritual and moral decline.
Historical Context
At this point in Saul’s life, he is a king in crisis. The Philistines are threatening Israel, and Saul is feeling the pressure of impending war. More importantly, Saul’s disobedience has led to his estrangement from God. Earlier in his reign, Saul had repeatedly disobeyed God’s commands, leading to God’s rejection of him as king (1 Samuel 15:26). Samuel, the prophet who once guided Saul, had already passed away (1 Samuel 25:1), and Saul now finds himself without divine guidance. Consulting a medium, something Saul had previously outlawed, represents his last-ditch effort to find direction, even though it goes against God’s clear instructions (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Saul’s words reveal his understanding that God has abandoned him, yet instead of repenting, he continues to seek answers through forbidden means.
Theological Implications
This verse carries deep theological significance. Saul’s desperation to hear from Samuel reflects his awareness that he is cut off from God’s guidance due to his disobedience. The fact that God no longer speaks to Saul, whether through prophets, dreams, or other means, demonstrates the seriousness of his rejection by God. This highlights a sobering reality: persistent disobedience can lead to spiritual alienation. However, the situation also shows the futility of seeking spiritual guidance outside of God’s ordained ways. Saul turns to Samuel for help, but even Samuel’s spirit cannot change Saul’s fate—only repentance and submission to God could have restored his relationship with God.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse is filled with tension and emotion. Saul’s distress and fear are palpable as he expresses his feelings of abandonment. The conversation between Saul and Samuel’s spirit emphasizes the tragic irony of the situation—Saul, who once had access to God through Samuel, is now so far from God that he is forced to disturb Samuel’s rest through a forbidden act. The dialogue highlights Saul’s confusion and his misplaced hope that Samuel can provide the answers he seeks. The verse paints a picture of a man who has lost everything, spiritually and politically, yet still refuses to turn back to God in the right way.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Samuel 15:23: Samuel’s rebuke of Saul for rebellion, leading to God’s rejection of Saul as king.
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12: The prohibition against consulting mediums and spiritists, which Saul violates in this passage.
- Isaiah 59:2: A reminder that sin separates people from God, much like how Saul’s disobedience has led to his spiritual alienation.
- Psalm 66:18: The principle that harboring sin in one’s heart can prevent God from hearing prayers, reflecting Saul’s current situation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying close to God and seeking His guidance in the right way. Saul’s disobedience led to his feeling of abandonment by God, which shows the consequences of turning away from God’s commands. When we feel distant from God or confused about what to do, it can be tempting to seek answers in ways that go against His will. However, this passage encourages us to trust in God’s Word, even in difficult times, and to turn to Him in repentance rather than seeking forbidden solutions.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Even though Saul feels abandoned by God, it is important to remember that God’s love remains constant. God’s silence toward Saul is a result of Saul’s own choices and disobedience, but this silence is not an indication of a lack of love. Rather, it reflects God’s righteous judgment. God had given Saul many opportunities to repent and return to Him, but Saul chose disobedience. God’s love is seen in His desire for His people to seek Him with humble hearts, trusting in His timing and ways. If Saul had turned to God in true repentance, he could have found forgiveness and restoration.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse contrasts with the way Christians can now approach God through Jesus Christ. While Saul felt abandoned and cut off from God, believers today have access to God through Jesus, who is the perfect mediator (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus’ death and resurrection made it possible for us to come directly to God in times of need, without fear of rejection. Where Saul’s sin separated him from God, Jesus offers forgiveness and reconciliation, allowing us to experience God’s presence even when we feel distant or lost (Romans 8:38-39). This verse highlights the difference between Saul’s hopelessness and the hope that Jesus provides for those who trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt distant from God or like your prayers weren’t being answered? How did you respond, and what steps can you take to draw closer to God during those times?
- What are some ways we might be tempted to seek answers outside of God’s will when we feel desperate, and how can we avoid that?
- How does Jesus’ role as our mediator encourage you to trust in God’s guidance, even when it seems delayed or unclear?