Saul Inquires of the Witch of Endor

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 28:1-14. The Philistines gathered their armies together to fight against Israel. Saul freaked out when he saw the size of the Philistine army.

Achish, the Philistine’s king, let David know that he was expecting him and his men to support them in the battle. David asssured Achish of his abilities. Achish showed his trust in David by telling David that he was the keeper of his head forever.

We learned several lessons back that Samuel passed away and the people mourned over him and buried him in Ramah. This Scripture reminds us of Samuel’s passing.

We are also told that Saul had done away with those who had familiar spirits and the wizards from the land.

The Philistines gathered their troops at Shunem and Saul’s army gathered at Gilboa. When Saul saw how many Philistines there were, he was filled with fear.

Saul prayed to God, but God didn’t answer him. The LORD didn’t reveal anything to Saul by dreams, prophets, or by Urim. Urim were the stones that were kept in a pouch on the high-priest’s breastplate, which were used in determining God’s decision in certain questions and issues.

So Saul asked his servants to find him a woman with a familiar spirit, one who evokes the dead, that he could go and inquire of her. Saul’s servants told him there was a woman at Endor who had these capabilities.

Saul disguised himself by dressing in other garments. He took two of his men with him and went to visit the woman of Endor at night. The woman asked Saul if he was trying to get her killed. She reminded him that Saul had done away with all those who had a familiar spirit and the wizards. Saul swore to her before the LORD that she wouldn’t be punished for her work.

The woman agreed to perform the task and asked Saul who he wanted her to bring up. Saul asked her to bring up Samuel. When the woman saw Samuel she cried out asking Saul why he had deceived her.

Saul told her not to be afraid and asked her what she saw. She told Saul that she saw gods ascending from the earth. Saul asked her what the man looked like. She told Saul that it was an older man with a mantle covering him. Saul thought it was Samuel and he bowed down to him.

Why would a king, a man appointed by God, go to see a sorcerer? What was God going to think about Saul’s actions? There are many Scriptures that tell us that sorcery, witchcraft, and such are evil and we shouldn’t fool around with evil spirits.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 28:1-14

1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.
2 And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.
9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?
10 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.
11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

Things to think about:

What armies were about to go to war?

What happened when Saul saw how many Philistines there were?

When God didn’t answer Saul’s cries for help, what did Saul do?

Why did Saul turn to other sources when he felt he wasn’t hearing from the Lord?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel we are perplexed at Saul’s decision to seek guidance from other sources. Help us in our time of decision making not to become so fearful that we seek advice from those who are not guided by You. Help us to use wisdom when seeking advice from anyone besides You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Sweet Hour of Prayer” – Alan Jackson

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

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