1 Samuel Chapter 28 — Saul and the Medium at En-dor
Fearing an imminent Philistine attack and receiving no response from God, Saul visits a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel, who prophesies his defeat and death.
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Notable Verses
1 Samuel 28:6
“When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD didn’t answer him by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets.”
This verse underscores Saul's total spiritual abandonment and the silence of God resulting from his repeated failures.
1 Samuel 28:17
“The LORD has done to you as he spoke by me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, even to David.”
This confirms that the prophecy given years earlier by Samuel is finally reaching its fulfillment.
1 Samuel 28:19
“Moreover the LORD will deliver Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.”
This is the definitive announcement of the impending death of Saul and his heirs.
Chapter Summary
In 1 Samuel 28, the Philistines assemble their armies for a major conflict against Israel. King Saul is terrified by the size of the enemy force and seeks guidance from the Lord, but receives no answer through dreams, the Urim, or prophets. In his desperation, Saul ignores his own previous decree against mediums and travels in disguise to En-dor to consult a woman with a familiar spirit. He asks her to summon the deceased prophet Samuel. When Samuel appears, he rebukes Saul for his disobedience regarding the Amalekites and confirms that the Lord has departed from him. Samuel prophesies that the kingdom has been given to David and that Saul and his sons will be killed in battle the following day. Overwhelmed with terror and physical weakness, Saul collapses. The medium and his servants eventually convince him to eat a final meal before he departs to face the Philistines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saul was terrified of the Philistine army and found that God had stopped answering his inquiries through traditional means like dreams or prophets. Despite having previously banned mediums, he sought one out in a desperate attempt to contact the deceased Samuel for advice.
Samuel appeared and asked Saul why he had disturbed him. He told Saul that the Lord had become his adversary because he did not obey the command to destroy Amalek. Samuel then predicted that Saul, his sons, and the entire Israelite army would fall to the Philistines the next day.
Saul was filled with terror and fell flat on the ground. He had no strength because he was fearful and had not eaten for a full day and night. It was only after being urged by the medium and his servants that he finally ate enough to travel away.
Study Note
The Urim mentioned in verse 6 was one of the sacred lots kept in the High Priest’s breastplate used to determine God's will in times of national crisis.
Related Chapters
1 Samuel 15
Explains the specific act of disobedience regarding the Amalekites mentioned by Samuel in chapter 28.
1 Samuel 31
Documents the fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy as Saul and his sons die on Mount Gilboa.
1 Chronicles 10
Provides the Chronicler's perspective on Saul's death, explicitly citing his consultation with the medium as a reason for his end.
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