1 Samuel·Chapter 28

How to Apply

This week, think about an area in your life where you feel torn between different loyalties or choices. Maybe it’s a friend group, a job, or a personal belief. Take a moment to reflect on what’s most important to you. Consider writing down your thoughts or talking with someone you trust about it. This isn’t about making a rash decision but rather about being intentional with your choices, just like David had to be in this moment. Ask yourself: 'What does my loyalty say about who I am?'

Chapter Context

To understand this moment, let's back up a bit. David has been living among the Philistines, trying to escape his life in Israel, where King Saul is hunting him down. He’s found a sort of refuge but now faces an unexpected turn. This verse marks a pivotal moment where David is thrust into a situation that could change everything. The chapter builds up to this point of conflict as David must navigate his loyalties and the consequences of fighting alongside his enemies against his own people. It’s a moment filled with tension—what will David choose, and how will it affect his destiny? This verse is the spark that ignites the drama of the chapter.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• in - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• those - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• days - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• philistines - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• gathered - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• forces - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• war - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• fight - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• israel - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• achish - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

When faced with a difficult choice, how do you determine what your loyalty should be? What guides your decisions in those moments?

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 29:2 - This verse shows the moment David and his men actually prepare for battle, highlighting the tension of his dual loyalties.
• Proverbs 13:20 - This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing your companions wisely, which relates to David's choice of allies.
• Galatians 6:7 - This talks about reaping what you sow, echoing the consequences of David's decisions in this battle.
• Psalm 1:1 - This verse highlights the importance of choosing the right path, paralleling David's struggle with his loyalties.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in 1 Samuel 28:1. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Desperation, Disobedience, Divine Silence, Forbidden Practices, Prophetic Judgment, Fear and Anxiety, Inevitability of Fate

Key Verses

1 Samuel 28:6, 1 Samuel 28:16, 1 Samuel 28:18, 1 Samuel 28:19, 1 Samuel 28:20

Historical Context

This chapter is set in a tense period of Israel's history, during the transition from the era of judges to monarchy. King Saul, who began his reign with promise, experiences a downward spiral due to his repeated disobedience to God's commands. By this point, Samuel, the prophet and judge who anointed Saul, has died, symbolizing the loss of divine guidance. Saul's desperate act of consulting a medium reflects his unwillingness to turn back to God and seek forgiveness, revealing the deep spiritual crisis he faces. This chapter underscores the consequences of turning away from God and relying on forbidden practices for guidance.