Saul And The Medium Of Endor Series

Today we will be in 1 Samuel 28

The chapter begins with two announcements

1. Samuel has died

2. Saul has taken action against the mediums in the land. By expelling “mediums and spiritists,” Saul had obeyed Pentateuchal law (Lev. 19:31; 20:27; Deut. 18:10–11). So, good for Saul.

After the two announcements, the action resumes.

The Philistines are on the attack and closing in on Saul and the armies of Israel. Things do not look good and Saul is terrified.

* 1 Samuel 28:5 (NIV) — 5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart.

Saul lived in fear. Several times in this story Saul is afraid.

* 1 Samuel 15:24 (NIV) — 24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them.

* 1 Samuel 18:12 (NIV) — 12 Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul.

* 1 Samuel 18:15 (NIV) — 15 When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him.

* 1 Samuel 18:29 (NIV) — 29 Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.

I can understand fear – we’ve all felt it, but it seems to consume Saul and instead of turning to the Lord it leads him to making ungodly decisions. Obsessive fear is an indication of a lack of the Spirit.

* Romans 8:15 (NIV) — 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

* 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) — 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

* 1 John 4:18 (NIV) — 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

* Jesus repeatedly says, “Do not fear.”

Saul doesn’t handle fear well, but this time in his fear he does cry out to the Lord. And he tries every way he can. He’s hoping he has a dream. He’s hoping the prophets will be able to help pout. But in every case, he gets no answers.

Here’s one of the saddest verses in the Bible:

* 1 Samuel 28:6 (NIV) — 6 He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

So, in his desperation Saul sinks to new lows. He seeks out a medium even though he knew it was wrong. He had them all expelled.

The Story: Saul and the Medium of Endor

* Saul sets out men to find a medium.

* They find one in the city of Endor – not far but dangerously close to the Philistine camp.

* Saul disguises himself.

* The woman is suspicious. She thinks this may be a trap.

* Saul assures her not to worry.

* Medium asks Saul who he wants to see.

* Saul asks for the prophet Samuel.

* Samuel appears and terrifies the woman and somehow she now knows that the inquirer is the king, Saul.

* Saul asks her what she sees.

* She replies, “An old man with a robe.”

* Apparently, the robe gives it away – Saul knows it is Samuel.

* Samuel is not happy to be disturbed.

* Saul asks for Samuel’s help in light of the Philistine’s impending attack. Since God won’t talk to me I need your help!

Here is Samuel’s message:

* 1 Samuel 28:15–18 (NIV) — 15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” 16 Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? 17The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today.

That sounds pretty familiar. Samuel’s message does not change. He does, however, add a little more detail in the next verse:

* 1 Samuel 28:19 (NIV) — 19 The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”