1 Samuel 28:1-19
The demonic practice of summonsing the dead was a common practice in the East and Saul forbid it in order to try to be faithful to God. Saul had the Philistine army coming to attack, Samuel had died, the other prophets were silent, and God was silent to Saul. He wanted answers to the future. Even though he had outlawed the practice of necromancy (talking to the dead), he thought that he would give it a try.
Fear Leads to a Godless Solution vv.5-7
Here is a picture of where Endor was located. It was 4.5 miles from where Shunem was, the location of the Philistines camp.
Fear is the defining characteristic of anyone living apart from God! 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
Out of Saul’s fear of losing the kingdom and from the Lord’s silence, he venters into the realm of the demonic, seeking those who talk to the dead for answers. The Mosaic law forbid the act of talking to the dead in Lev. 19:31; 20:6, 27; Deut. 18:10-12. It was common in the East and still is among many tribes throughout Africa and Asia.
The Faithless are Granted Bad News to Their Situation vv.12-19
We all have a lot of questions about the paranormal, the dead, eternal life. Most biblical scholars suggest that ancient writings show that demonic formations would appear that were not the person being summonsed. Verse 12 suggest this was indeed true. The witch was surprised to see a clear person and an actual being. One main theory is that God allowed Samuel to speak in this format in order to show the seriousness of the necessity for obedience to God. When silence falls, run to Christ!
Satanic practices are real and people are becoming drawn to them. Again, we must do battle in our closest and with the sword of the Spirit!
The Faithfully Obedient will Experience God’s Sustainment vv.17
Isaiah 40:31 “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”