1 Samuel 28:1-7

1 It happened in those days, that the Pelishtim gathered their hosts together for warfare, to fight with Yisra'el. Akhish said to David, Know you assuredly, that you shall go out with me in the host, you and your men.

2 David said to Akhish, Therefore you shall know what your servant will do. Akhish said to David, Therefore will I make you keeper of my head for ever.

3 Now Shemu'el was dead, and all Yisra'el had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. Sha'ul had put away those who had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

4 The Pelishtim gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Sha'ul gathered all Yisra'el together, and they encamped in Gilboa.

5 When Sha'ul saw the host of the Pelishtim, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.

6 When Sha'ul inquired of the LORD, the LORD didn't answer him, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

7 Then said Sha'ul to his servants, Seek me a woman who has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. His servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman who has a familiar spirit at En-dor.

1 Samuel 28:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 28

The Philistines gathering together, to fight with Israel, Saul trembled at it, not being able to get any answer from the Lord about it in any way whatever, 1Sa 28:1-6; upon which he applies to a woman that had a familiar spirit to bring him up Samuel, which she did, 1Sa 28:7-14; and what passed between Saul and Samuel, or at least the apparition in his form, is recorded, 1Sa 28:15-19; which so struck him, as to make him strengthless, and so melancholy, that he refused to eat until persuaded, or rather compelled, by the woman and his servants, 1Sa 28:20-25.