1 Samuel 28:5

5 But when Saul saw the Philistine troops, he shook in his boots, scared to death.

1 Samuel 28:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 28:5

And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines
From the mountains of Gilboa, where he had pitched his camp:

he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled;
on sight of the numbers of them, and thinking perhaps of the death of Samuel, and of the loss of David; who was now among the Philistines, and might possibly fight against him, and for the Philistines, of which he might be informed; however, he was not with him, and his conscience might accuse him of various sins he had been guilty of, for which he might fear the Lord would now reckon with him.

1 Samuel 28:5 In-Context

3 Samuel was now dead. All Israel had mourned his death and buried him in Ramah, his hometown. Saul had long since cleaned out all those who held seances with the dead.
4 The Philistines had mustered their troops and camped at Shunem. Saul had assembled all Israel and camped at Gilboa.
5 But when Saul saw the Philistine troops, he shook in his boots, scared to death.
6 Saul prayed to God, but God didn't answer - neither by dream nor by sign nor by prophet.
7 So Saul ordered his officials, "Find me someone who can call up spirits so I may go and seek counsel from those spirits." His servants said, "There's a witch at Endor."
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.