1 Samuel 28:1-4

1 In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men will accompany me in the army.”

2 David said, “Then you will see for yourself what your servant can do.” Achish replied, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”

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.

1 Samuel 28:1-4 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 29:1
• 2. 1 Samuel 29:2
• 3. 1 Samuel 25:1
• 4. S 1 Samuel 7:17
• 5. ver 9
• 6. S Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-11; 1 Samuel 15:23
• 7. S Joshua 19:18; 2 Kings 4:8
• 8. 1 Samuel 31:1,3; 2 Samuel 1:6,21; 2 Samuel 21:12