1 Samuel 28:2-12

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.

1 Samuel 28:2-12 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.