Overview:
In 1 Samuel 28, Saul faces a critical crisis as the Philistine army gathers to confront Israel. Feeling abandoned by God, who no longer answers him through dreams, prophets, or the Urim, Saul becomes desperate. In his distress, Saul seeks out a medium in Endor to summon the spirit of Samuel, despite having previously outlawed such practices. The medium successfully conjures Samuel, who foretells Saul’s impending defeat and death in battle. The chapter highlights Saul’s spiritual decline and his futile attempts to find guidance outside of God’s will. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of abandoning God and turning to forbidden practices.
Key themes in 1 Samuel 28 include the consequences of forsaking God’s guidance, the dangers of forbidden spiritual practices, and the importance of repentance. Saul’s actions demonstrate the tragic results of seeking supernatural insight outside of God’s revealed will.
Historical and Literary Context:
1 Samuel 28 occurs against the backdrop of a growing Philistine threat and Saul’s spiritual and moral decline. Saul’s decision to consult a medium reveals his desperation and distance from God, marking a stark contrast to his earlier commitment to uphold God’s law. This chapter serves as a climactic point in Saul’s tragic story, as he faces both spiritual and physical defeat. The contrast between Saul’s encounter with the medium and David’s reliance on God underscores the difference between a heart that seeks God’s will and one that relies on human means.
Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:
The Consequences of Forsaking God’s Guidance:
Saul’s desperation and sense of abandonment reflect the outcome of forsaking God’s guidance. His inability to hear from God, due to his own rebellion, drives him to pursue forbidden practices, leading to dire consequences.
“When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets” (1 Samuel 28:5-6).
Saul’s situation illustrates the importance of maintaining a relationship with God, highlighting that neglecting God’s will leads to spiritual isolation. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of remaining close to God through prayer, obedience, and seeking His guidance (James 4:8, John 15:4-5).
The Dangers of Forbidden Spiritual Practices:
Saul’s decision to consult a medium, despite God’s explicit prohibition against such practices, reveals the dangers of turning to forbidden spiritual avenues. Saul’s disobedience underscores the importance of trusting in God’s timing and seeking His guidance rather than resorting to occult practices.
“Saul then said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’ ‘There is one in Endor,’ they said” (1 Samuel 28:7).
The Bible consistently warns against occult practices, which lead away from God and open individuals to deception. The New Testament reaffirms the importance of rejecting occult practices, calling believers to trust in God’s guidance alone (Leviticus 19:31, Galatians 5:19-21).
The Reality of Divine Judgment and Consequences:
Samuel’s message to Saul through the medium serves as a final reminder of God’s judgment. Samuel’s prophecy of Saul’s defeat and death highlights the certainty of divine justice, which holds individuals accountable for their choices.
“Samuel said, ‘Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done what he predicted through me… Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me’” (1 Samuel 28:16, 19).
Samuel’s pronouncement of judgment against Saul underscores that God’s warnings are not to be taken lightly. The New Testament teaches that God is just and that His judgment is certain for those who persist in rebellion (Hebrews 10:30-31, Romans 2:6-8).
The Tragic Despair of a Life Without Repentance:
Saul’s desperate state and unwillingness to truly repent demonstrate the tragedy of a hardened heart. Even in his distress, Saul does not seek God’s mercy but instead turns to further disobedience. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and humility.
“Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel’s words” (1 Samuel 28:20).
Saul’s fear and despair reflect a life that has drifted away from God, with no attempt to reconcile. The New Testament calls believers to repentance, assuring them that God is merciful to those who return to Him in humility (1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19).
Verse-by-Verse Analysis:
1 Samuel 28:3:
“Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land” (1 Samuel 28:3).
Saul’s previous action against mediums highlights his prior commitment to God’s law, making his decision to consult a medium in his desperation all the more tragic.
1 Samuel 28:4-5:
“The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa. When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart” (1 Samuel 28:4-5).
Saul’s fear reflects his spiritual emptiness, as he faces the Philistine threat without God’s guidance or assurance.
1 Samuel 28:6:
“He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets” (1 Samuel 28:6).
God’s silence toward Saul reflects the consequences of his rebellion and lack of genuine repentance, showing that God’s guidance is conditional upon obedience.
1 Samuel 28:7:
“Saul then said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’” (1 Samuel 28:7).
Saul’s decision to consult a medium shows his spiritual desperation, as he turns to forbidden practices instead of seeking repentance.
1 Samuel 28:8:
“So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman” (1 Samuel 28:8).
Saul’s disguise and secrecy reflect his awareness of his actions’ wrongness, underscoring his moral and spiritual decline.
1 Samuel 28:9-10:
“The woman said to him, ‘Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life?’” (1 Samuel 28:9).
The medium’s hesitation reveals Saul’s prior commitment to God’s law and highlights the irony of his current actions.
1 Samuel 28:11-12:
“Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he said. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice” (1 Samuel 28:11-12).
The medium’s reaction suggests that she is surprised by the actual appearance of Samuel, showing the gravity of Saul’s request.
1 Samuel 28:13-14:
“The king said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. What do you see?’” (1 Samuel 28:13).
Saul’s curiosity and eagerness to hear from Samuel show his desperation, despite knowing he has abandoned God’s commands.
1 Samuel 28:15-16:
“‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ Samuel asked. ‘I am in great distress,’ Saul said” (1 Samuel 28:15).
Samuel’s words emphasize the finality of God’s judgment on Saul and the futility of his attempts to seek answers outside of God’s will.
1 Samuel 28:17-19:
“‘The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David’” (1 Samuel 28:17).
Samuel’s prophecy reminds Saul of God’s judgment, emphasizing the certainty of divine justice against those who disobey.
1 Samuel 28:20:
“Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel’s words” (1 Samuel 28:20).
Saul’s fear and despair illustrate the consequences of rejecting God, showing a heart that has become hardened and distant from repentance.
Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:
1 Samuel 28 serves as a warning against forsaking God’s guidance and turning to forbidden practices. Saul’s desperation and willingness to consult a medium underscore the dangers of seeking supernatural insight outside of God’s will. His actions reveal the spiritual consequences of rebellion and the importance of repentance. Saul’s failure to turn back to God illustrates the tragedy of a life that has drifted from obedience and faith, leading to despair and defeat.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches that God is the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance, urging believers to remain close to God through prayer and obedience. Jesus warns against turning to other sources for guidance, calling His followers to rely solely on God’s truth and faithfulness (Matthew 4:10, John 14:6). Jesus’ teachings encourage believers to seek God with a sincere heart, trusting in His wisdom rather than turning to practices that lead away from Him.
Sermon Outline and Flow:
- Introduction: The Danger of Forsaking God’s Guidance
- Set the context of 1 Samuel 28, describing Saul’s desperation and his decision to consult a medium.
- Emphasize themes of spiritual integrity, the consequences of rebellion, and the importance of repentance.
- Point 1: The Consequences of Forsaking God’s Guidance
- Discuss Saul’s inability to hear from God, showing the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God.
- Application: How can believers stay close to God and seek His guidance through prayer and obedience?
- Point 2: The Dangers of Forbidden Spiritual Practices
- Explore Saul’s decision to consult a medium, reflecting the dangers of turning to occult practices.
- Application: How can believers guard against influences that lead them away from God’s truth?
- Point 3: The Importance of Repentance and Humility
- Reflect on Saul’s refusal to repent and his ultimate despair, showing the importance of turning back to God.
- Application: How can believers cultivate a heart of repentance and humility, staying open to God’s correction?
- Conclusion: Jesus as the Ultimate Source of Guidance and Truth
- Emphasize that Jesus exemplifies reliance on God’s will and warns against seeking guidance outside of God’s truth.
- Call to Action: How can believers trust in Jesus’ teachings, relying on God’s guidance and avoiding paths that lead to spiritual danger?
Illustrations and Examples:
- Example of Seeking God’s Guidance Over Worldly Advice: Share a story of someone who chose God’s wisdom over worldly counsel, reflecting the importance of seeking God’s will.
- Metaphor of “The True Light”: Use the imagery of a guiding light in darkness, symbolizing the need for God’s guidance and the dangers of seeking illumination outside of His truth.
Application for Today’s Christian:
1 Samuel 28 warns believers against seeking guidance outside of God’s will, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and repentance. Saul’s actions illustrate the spiritual consequences of turning away from God and the tragedy of seeking answers through forbidden practices. Believers are called to rely on God’s wisdom, seek His guidance through prayer, and resist influences that lead them away from the truth.
Through Jesus, believers find the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. Jesus’ teachings call His followers to avoid worldly and occult influences, focusing instead on God’s truth and seeking Him with a sincere heart. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, trust in God’s wisdom, and reject practices that lead to spiritual danger (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-6).
Connection to the Father in 1 Samuel 28:
God the Father’s silence toward Saul reflects the consequences of rebellion, underscoring the need for a sincere heart that seeks His guidance. God’s justice is a reminder of the importance of obedience and repentance.
Connection to Jesus Christ in 1 Samuel 28:
Saul’s tragic turn to forbidden practices highlights the importance of Jesus’ teachings, which call believers to trust in God’s will and reject ungodly influences. Jesus provides the ultimate example of seeking God’s guidance and staying faithful to His truth (John 8:12, Matthew 4:10).
Connection to the Holy Spirit in 1 Samuel 28:
The Holy Spirit guides believers in truth and wisdom, helping them avoid deception and seek God’s guidance. The Spirit empowers believers to discern God’s will and to remain steadfast in their faith (John 16:13, Romans 8:14).
Connection to God’s Love in 1 Samuel 28:
God’s love is evident in His desire for His people to stay close to Him, seeking His wisdom and avoiding paths that lead to harm. Through Jesus, believers experience God’s love, knowing that He guides them with compassion and truth (Romans 5:8, John 14:6).
Reflection Questions:
- How can you stay close to God and seek His guidance in all aspects of life?
- In what ways can you guard against influences that lead away from God’s truth?
- How does Saul’s experience highlight the importance of repentance and humility?
- How does Jesus’ example of seeking God’s will inspire you to rely on God’s guidance?
- How can you depend on the Holy Spirit to help you navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and discernment?
1 Samuel 28 reminds believers to seek God’s guidance, avoid ungodly influences, and maintain a heart of repentance. Through Jesus, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in faith and wisdom, confident that God’s truth is the only safe path for life and guidance.