13
But the king said to her, "Don't be afraid. What do you see?" "I see a spirit form coming up out of the earth," the woman answered.
14
Then Saul asked her, "What does he look like?" "An old man is coming up," she replied. "He's wearing a robe." Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed his face to the ground and paid homage.
15
"Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" Samuel asked Saul. "I'm in serious trouble," replied Saul. "The Philistines are fighting against me and God has turned away from me. He doesn't answer me any more, either through the prophets or in dreams. So I've called on you to tell me what I should do."
16
Samuel answered, "Since the Lord has turned away from you and has become your enemy, why are you asking me?
17
The Lord has done exactly what He said through me: The Lord has torn the kingship out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.
18
You did not obey the Lord and did not carry out His wrath against Amalek; therefore the Lord has done this to you today.
19
The Lord will also hand Israel over to the Philistines along with you. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me, and the Lord will hand Israel's army over to the Philistines."
20
Immediately, Saul fell flat on the ground. He was terrified by Samuel's words and was also weak because he hadn't had any food all day and all night.
21
The woman came over to Saul, and she saw that he was terrified and said to him, "Look, your servant has obeyed you. I took my life in my hands and did what you told me [to do].
22
Now please listen to your servant. Let me set some food in front of you. Eat and it will give you strength so you can go on your way."
23
He refused, saying, "I won't eat," but when his servants and the woman urged him, he listened to them. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed.