1 Samuel

1 Samuel 28:1-2

David is now confronted with the lie he had told.  As far as Achish is concerned David has done such a good job he wants David and his men to join him in a battle against Israel.

David may have justified this compromise and lies by saying he had to respond this one.  He felt he had no choice.  Just seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteous is always the best choice; no matter what!!  We've all found our selves in a place of compromise or back sliding; we need to recognize where we stand and turn away; run back to God and stand fast on his promises; no matter what.  God will be honored by our faithfulness.

1 Samuel 28:4-8

We already saw that Samuel had passsed away in chapter 25.  However, it is mentioned here again as a basis for the spiritual vacuum in the land.  As the king goes, so goes the people.  Saul was not leading the people to God or by God's leading. 

Now when Saul faced off with the Philistines he was overcome with fear.  I wonder if Saul was looking for David and his men among the Philistines; I wonder if this increased his anxiety.  Saul had separated himself from God.  Now he wonders why he doesn't hear from him.  With no word from the Lord he is looking for help elsewhere.  These spiritists seem like a viaiable solution to him.  Saul had run them out of the land previously; this while he was under the influence of Sameul.  But now, particularly with Samuel gone, Saul saw to issue with consulting them. 

Putting them out of the land was one thing, but they had not been kept out of the land.  They, in fact, knew right where to go to consult a medium. 

What Saul wanted was to know the will of the Lord; not for the sake of the Lord or for the Lord's glory.  He simply wanted a good outcome for himself.  Samuel had always been his advisor so Saul wants to hear what he would say.  This is a strange way of going about seeking the Lord.  It's seeking the Lord's will from someone outside God's will. 

1 Samuel 28:9-14

This woman is cautious for fear of getting caught and punished.  Saul persuaded her to continue and bring Samuel up.  This woman is surpised when Samuel does appear.  And he certainly didn't appear because of any power she might possess but only by the will of God.  Samuel was revealed in God's purpose and plan for His glory. 

1 Samuel 28:15-19

Saul offers his explanation for calling Samuel; as if it were the only choice left since God no longer spoke to him.  There is no new news in Samuel's response.  He simply reminds Saul of what God already said.  It was chapter 15 when God said the kingdom had been torn from his hand.  But none of that mattered now, Saul learned he would die the next day.

1 Samuel 28:20-25

Saul understood that Samuel couldn't help him either.  Saul had made himself an enemy of God and was suffering the consequences.  What an odd situation when he is comforted by this medium.  Not only that, he ends up having his last supper with her; breaking bread and having fellowship with compromise and ungodliness.  This seemed to be a fitting end to Saul's life.

©2015 Doug Ford