Saul’s Desperate Encounter – 1 Samuel 28:7–20
At the end of his reign, King Saul faced a grave threat from the Philistines and was filled with fear (1 Samuel 28:5). With the prophet Samuel dead and God silent—refusing to answer Saul by dreams, the Urim, or prophets (verse 6)—Saul turned to a forbidden source.
Though he had previously banished spiritists and mediums from Israel in obedience to divine law (verse 3; see Deuteronomy 18:11), Saul sought out a medium in Endor (verse 7), exposing both his desperation and spiritual decline. His actions directly violated God’s commands (Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10–12).
Saul disguised himself and visited the medium, asking her to summon the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:8). Initially reluctant, the woman agreed under Saul’s protection (verse 10). When Samuel appeared, she cried out in shock, recognizing Saul (verse 12). Saul did not see Samuel directly but asked her to describe the vision: “a ghostly figure…an old man wearing a robe” (verses 13–14). Saul then bowed in reverence.
Samuel’s spirit asked, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” (verse 15). Saul confessed his fear and God’s silence. Samuel delivered a devastating prophecy: God had rejected Saul, given the kingdom to David, and would deliver Israel and Saul’s family into Philistine hands. “Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me” (verses 16–19).
Shaken and weakened, Saul ate a final meal prepared by the medium (verses 20–25). The next day, he and his sons died in battle (chapter 31).
👻 Was It Truly Samuel?
The passage directly refers to the spirit as “Samuel.” There’s no indication it was merely an illusion or demonic trick—especially since the medium was surprised, not in control, and the prophecy was accurate (1 Samuel 28:12, 16–19).
This rare event appears to have been allowed by God to deliver final judgment on Saul. However, Scripture consistently condemns necromancy and spiritism. Claims of contacting the dead are typically attributed to demonic deception (Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10–12). If a person claims to be able to contact the dead for you, the spirit they contact may be a demon that knows information about the dead person. They may have been around the person themselves, or they have communicated with another demon that was there. Remember demons can talk to each other. Attempting to contact a dead person is dangerous and prohibited by scripture for our protection.
🔍 Saul was judged for this act as recorded later: “He was unfaithful to the Lord…and did not keep the word of the Lord…he even consulted a medium…So the Lord put him to death” (1 Chronicles 10:13–14).