The chapter 1 Samuel 28 in the Bible details a significant and somewhat controversial episode in the life of King Saul, the first king of Israel. This narrative is set against the backdrop of an imminent battle between Israel and the Philistines. Feeling desperate and isolated, King Saul seeks guidance after the Lord has stopped answering him, both through dreams and the Urim (a divinatory device worn by the High Priest). His usual channels of divine guidance having been cut off, Saul resorts to seeking the services of a medium, specifically, the Witch of Endor, to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel.

Summary of 1 Samuel 28:

• Verses 1-2: The Philistines prepare for war against Israel, and Achish, the Philistine king, insists Saul’s nemesis David (who has been living as a fugitive) join them in battle.
• Verses 3-6: Saul seeks guidance from God through prophets, dreams, and the Urim but receives no answer. Distressed, he decides to consult a medium, despite having previously expelled them from the land in obedience to God’s law.
• Verses 7-14: Saul disguises himself and visits the Witch of Endor at night, asking her to conjure up the spirit of Samuel. The witch does so, and is herself frightened when she realizes whom she has summoned and that her client is Saul.
• Verses 15-19: The spirit of Samuel, evoked by the witch, predicts doom for Saul and Israel, telling Saul that the kingdom will be handed over to David and that Saul and his sons will die in the upcoming battle.
• Verses 20-25: Saul is filled with fear and falls prostrate. The witch, seeing his distress, convinces him to eat. After he and his men eat, they leave to prepare for the battle.

Life Applications:

1. Seeking Guidance from the Right Sources: Saul’s decision to consult a medium after God ceased communicating with him serves as a cautionary tale about seeking spiritual guidance. It underlines the importance of seeking direction from legitimate, God-approved sources rather than resorting to forbidden practices.
2. Consequences of Disobedience: Saul’s predicament in this chapter can be traced back to his earlier disobedience to God’s commands. This highlights how past decisions and actions can have long-lasting impacts, emphasizing the value of obedience and faithfulness to God’s directives.
3. The Finality of Divine Judgment: The appearance of Samuel’s spirit and his message to Saul underscore that God’s judgments are final and irrevocable. Saul’s fate had been sealed by his own actions, and even in desperation, there was no altering the divine decree.
4. The Importance of Repentance: While not explicitly outlined in this chapter, the broader narrative arc of Saul’s reign demonstrates the tragic consequences of a heart that grows hard towards God. In contrast, a life marked by genuine repentance and humility can lead to restoration and peace with God.
5. The Sovereignty of God: Despite Saul’s attempts to change his fate, the narrative demonstrates God’s ultimate control over human history and individual lives. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the futility of trying to circumvent His will.

1 Samuel 28 teaches valuable lessons about the dangers of disobedience, the importance of seeking God with a sincere heart, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of humans. It’s a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of living in obedience to His guidance.