1 Samuel·Chapter 28

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on someone who has had a significant impact on your life. Write down what you learned from them and how their influence still guides you. If you’re feeling lost or uncertain, consider what healthy sources of wisdom you can turn to—maybe a mentor, a book, or a trusted friend. Instead of looking for answers in places that might lead you astray, focus on building connections that encourage growth and clarity.

Chapter Context

This moment isn't just a standalone event; it’s the calm before a storm. After Samuel's death, there’s a shift in the atmosphere. King Saul, who has been struggling to lead, feels a deepening sense of desperation. He had already pushed away those who practiced spiritual arts, trying to rid the land of any influence he deemed wrong. But now, without Samuel’s guidance, Saul is lost and afraid. This verse sets the stage for a critical moment in the chapter when Saul seeks out answers in all the wrong places, highlighting his growing desperation and the unfolding drama of his kingship.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• samuel - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• died - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• all - 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".
• mourned - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• buried - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• ramah - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• city - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• saul - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• mediums - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What do you think it means to seek guidance in your life today, and who or what influences your decisions most?

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - This verse explains how mediums and necromancers were seen as wrong, which gives context to Saul's actions in this moment.
• 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - This passage reflects on Saul's failure as king, tying back to the decisions he makes after Samuel's death.
• Isaiah 8:19-20 - Written about 700 years before this verse, it warns against seeking guidance from the dead, echoing the themes of this moment.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in 1 Samuel 28:3. 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.