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1 Samuel 28

25 verses

TL;DR

Saul, fearing the Philistines and lacking divine guidance, consults a witch at Endor, who summons the spirit of the dead prophet Samuel, who declares Saul's impending defeat and the rise of David.

Summary

The Philistines assemble for war, and Achish invites David to fight. After Samuel’s death, Saul feels abandoned by God and, despite previous bans on sorcery, seeks a familiar spirit at Endor. The witch reluctantly summons Samuel, who rebukes Saul for disobedience, proclaims that God has given the kingdom to David, and foretells Saul’s defeat by the Philistines. Saul, terrified, refuses food until his servants insist; the witch prepares bread from a fat calf. The chapter concludes with Saul and his servants eating and leaving.

Outline
  1. Saul’s fear and search for guidance; the witch’s reluctant summons
  2. Samuel’s rebuke and proclamation of David’s future rule
  3. Saul’s physical decline, the provision of food, and departure
Themes
Divine abandonment and human desperationThe consequences of disobedience to GodThe transfer of leadership from Saul to David
Keywords
SaulDavidSamuelEndorfamiliar spiritprophecydisobediencekingdomdivine guidance
People
SaulDavidAchishSamuelWitch of Endor
Places
RamahShunemGilboaEndor
Things
familiar spiritProphetic visionUrimDreamsBreadFat calfUnleavened bread
Key Verses
  • 1 Samuel 28:15: Samuel’s declaration that Saul has lost God’s favor and that David will receive the kingdom.
  • 1 Samuel 28:17: Samuel explains that Saul’s disobedience to God’s commands caused his downfall.
  • 1 Samuel 28:1: Sets the stage for the impending war and Saul’s desperate search for counsel.
Questions
  • What does Saul’s reliance on a witch reveal about his relationship with God?
  • How does Samuel’s rebuke align with previous biblical warnings about Saul’s actions?
  • In what ways does this chapter foreshadow the transition of power to David?
  • What lessons can be drawn about seeking counsel from forbidden or unorthodox sources?
Sentiment

negative
Saul’s fear, despair, and eventual downfall dominate the tone.