Today we are going to look at an unpopular passage in the Bible. Many people today look at their horoscope, conduct seances (Isaiah 8.19), play with an Ouija board, and things like that thinking it is okay to do. First Samuel 28.3-25 and Deuteronomy 18.9-14 informs us that God looks on such things as from the devil. The judgment for people who practice these things is death (Exodus 22.18 and Leviticus 20.27). Moreover, this also was a cause of Saul’s own death (1 Chronicles 10.13). Sorcery is listed in Galatians 5.20 as a fruit of the flesh, which must be rejected. In the book of Acts, Peter and Paul (Acts 8.9-13 and 13.6-12) reject sorcerers. As mentioned above, even seemingly innocent games that are associated with the occult can open the door to serious problems.
Saul has really gone downhill by now. He is a few chapters away from dying and he is getting desperate for help. Verse three reminds us what had happened in 1 Samuel 25.1, which was Samuel’s death. This incident caused David to flee to the wilderness and left Saul without any counsel. He did well in that he expelled from Israel all the mediums and wizards.
Saul had been pursuing David for so long, it seems as though he forgot the real enemy in the Philistines. When the Philistines encamped against him, Saul had nowhere to turn. Samuel was gone, David was living with the Philistines, and God would not speak to Saul even through the prophets. Since God had left him to his own devices, God did not answer Saul’s prayers (Proverbs 1.20–33). However, one of his servants told him of a medium who did not leave the country and was still living in Endor (think Samaria). Why does he have someone in his house that knows of this medium and who has not informed Saul earlier so he might expel her too? We all have these remnants in our houses. What sin is it that you continue to commit and refuse to expel?
Saul sought her out, deceived her, and sinned. The medium was asked by Saul to conjure Samuel. Something in the text makes us wonder if she was ever really able to contact anyone because of her reaction when Samuel actually appeared. All in attendance were afraid.
Saul is reminded of the consequences of his earlier sin of disobeying God, which is the removal of the kingly line from his house to David’s house and Saul’s death. It becomes a reality in this chapter when Samuel tells Saul that Saul with die before the next day is over. We need to understand that we will face the consequences of our sins even as Christians. We will not face the ultimate consequence of eternal damnation but will face the immediate consequences. Saul’s kingdom was removed. What area of your life has been affected because of your sin? Has an area where you once dominated left? Could it be from sin? Saul lived in fear. What area of your life are you fearful? Could it be from sin? God no longer spoke to Saul. When we sin, God will not be in fellowship with us. Do you need to repent of sin to restore your fellowship with God?
Saul’s health fell into question in this chapter too. He was weak due to the news he received and due to his sin. He was also weak due to not eating or sleeping properly. How are you doing with your nutrition and sleep? God created us in such a way that we will make bad decisions if we do not follow His Word and follow the needs He created in us. We are meant to eat and rest to ensure our health. How are you doing?