Day 18

Saul and the Medium at Endor

from the reading plan


1 Samuel 28:1-25, 1 Samuel 29:1-11, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Proverbs 1:28


Personal experience often confirms this biblical truth: “whatever a person sows he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). It’s in the dark that we see our truest selves—who we really are when nobody’s watching. Usually, it’s in times of great stress that our private character is exposed with potentially public consequences. If you’re anything like me, this truth is difficult to admit.  

In 1 Samuel 28:5, Saul was under great duress as the Philistines closed in for battle. When Saul sought God for rescue, God was silent. We know God had already sealed Saul’s fate, a promise previously relayed to him through the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 15:28).

Saul’s true character is exposed when he secretly turns to a medium hoping for a way out. The answer Saul receives is ironic. The spirit of Samuel seems to appear in the cover of darkness to further confirm God’s previous word, the word the desperate king hoped he could to escape: Saul’s kingdom would fall.

Christian wisdom tells us that while godly character may manifest itself in great moments, it is forged in small ones—seemingly small moments of obedience. Conversely, patterns of unrepentant rebellion will eventually lead to final judgment. Saul had long before prepared his own table (1 Samuel 2:29-30). Now he would swallow a last meal prepared by a witch. “The LORD [had] done exactly what he said” (28:16-19, 24-25).

Saul had abandoned the way of obedience his entire life, and the Lord had stopped speaking to him. Sadly, it seems Saul was never truly repentant. But before we cast the first stone, let us again admit that we are no better than Saul. The good news is our story doesn’t have to end like this.

When we are truly repentant and cry out for salvation, God is not silent. In fact, He has already spoken. On the cross, Jesus has already reaped what you have sown (Romans 6:23). He consumed the full plate of judgment that you and I deserved. Because of Christ, instead of groping in the dark like Saul, we can walk into the light—exposed, repentant, and forgiven.

It is often said, “As the king goes, so do the people.” Thankfully, God delivered ancient Israel from the wickedness of King Saul, who fell at the hands of the Philistines. In our case, God delivers us through the righteousness of Jesus. He is the eternal King who died at the hands of men, but rose again to set men free. His kingdom will never fall.

Because of the grace of Jesus Christ, we can humbly accept the warnings associated with the life of Saul. Every word of warning before the final judgment is actually a word of mercy.

Written by Matt Capps

Post Comments (5)

5 thoughts on "Saul and the Medium at Endor"

  1. Max Hohner says:

    Saul struggled with a lack of obedience and repentance throughout his life. In the end he reaped what he had sown. His decision to seek a witch at Endor only further reflects his disobedience and Samuel’s revelation that Saul will fall to the Philistines was not really new news at all. We have a hope, though, that Saul did not. “On the cross, Christ reaped what we have sown.” “We must admit that we are like Saul.” We must repent and obey. Saul received warnings, but, for us – “Every word of warning before the Final Judgment is actually a word of Mercy.”

  2. Steven says:

    Whenever I’d hear this story in Sunday School, it always seemed like the lesson was “don’t practice witchcraft or summon spirits of the dead.” It’s more apparent to me now that the issue was Saul was too smart for his own good. He thought if he could do something more, something different, he could get out of this predicament.

    I feel that way often, trying to solve my own problems with solutions increasingly similar to a Rube Goldberg machine. It’s instead better to follow the Lord from the outset; work towards the goal with the grace of God resting on you.

  3. Matt Lockwood says:

    In Christ our sin is not the end, we must come humbly before the Father in repentance asking forgiveness.

    The discipline of the LORD is mercy, preparing us for greater things to come. Saving us from eternal death.

  4. Kevin says:

    Day 18: I think if anything else, this story shows how God look at the heart. Saul was “seeking the Lord” but with a half assed spirit. God knew his heart wasn’t truly there. He is truly the only one that can see that part of us and judge us as such. What are you doing to put a heart in yourself that is like the fathers?

  5. Kim says:

    The LORD is faithful to His promises.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *