1 Samuel 28:3-5

Saul and the Medium at Endor

3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land.

4 The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa.

5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart.

1 Samuel 28:3-5 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.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Samuel 25:1
• 2. S 1 Samuel 7:17
• 3. ver 9
• 4. S Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-11; 1 Samuel 15:23
• 5. S Joshua 19:18; 2 Kings 4:8
• 6. 1 Samuel 31:1,3; 2 Samuel 1:6,21; 2 Samuel 21:12
• 7. S Exodus 19:16