1 Samuel 28:15
Saul's Desperation and the Witch of Endor
Verse 15: "And Samuel said to Saul, 'Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?' Saul answered, 'I am in great distress, for the Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams; therefore I have called you to tell me what I should do.'" (NKJV)
Context
In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul is facing a crisis. The Philistines are gathered against him, and he is desperate for guidance. However, God has stopped communicating with him through prophets or dreams. Saul's sin and disobedience have led to God's silence.
Saul's Dilemma
Saul's desperation drives him to seek help from the witch of Endor, despite the fact that he had previously forbidden the practice of mediumship in Israel (1 Samuel 28:3, 9). This witch claims to be able to summon the spirit of Samuel, who had been Saul's mentor and spiritual advisor.
Samuel's Rebuke
When Samuel's spirit appears, he rebukes Saul for disturbing his rest. Saul, still trying to justify his actions, explains his situation and asks for guidance. However, Samuel's response is not what Saul had hoped for.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 28:15
- Desperation can lead to foolish decisions: Saul's desperation drives him to seek help from an ungodly source, despite knowing it is against God's will. This teaches us to seek God's guidance in times of crisis, rather than turning to worldly solutions.
- God's silence is not a reason to disobey: Saul's claim that God had departed from him is not an excuse to seek guidance from a witch. This emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, even when we don't feel His presence.
- There is no substitute for a right relationship with God: Samuel's rebuke highlights the consequences of Saul's disobedience. This reminds us that there is no substitute for a right relationship with God, and that we must prioritize our walk with Him.
