1st Samuel 28-29 — Sha’ul sought knowledge from God, resorted to a medium when God stopped talking to him

As Saul faced his end, he became so frustrated with God’s silence that he sought out counsel in a way he knew was wrong. David, on the other hand, considered coming back to Israel alongside the Philistine army but is rebuffed just as Saul was rebuffed by God — and Samuel.

1st Samuel 28-29 map — (click on image to enlarge map)

As Sha’ul (Saul) faced his end, he became so frustrated with God’s silence that he sought out counsel in a way he knew was wrong. David, on the other hand, considered coming back to Israel alongside the Philistine army but is rebuffed just as Saul was rebuffed by God — and Samuel.

Thought questions

How long has Samuel been dead at this point?

How did Saul “see” the Philistine army from about 40 miles away?

What did Saul want to know from God? Why was Saul so desperate for answers? Where did he go for those answers?

Who was the “witch of Endor”? Why was she so afraid of Saul’s request?? Who did she summon for Saul? Why was she scared? How did the witch realize the man in her home was Saul? What did the “witch of Endor” learn from Samuel? ?What did Saul learn from Samuel?

Would God communicate through a source He had commanded people not to consult (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 19:26-31; Lev. 20:6-27; Deut. 18:10-11; 1st Sam. 15:23; cf. Isa. 19:3; Acts 8:9-11; Acts 16:16-19; Acts 19:19; Gal. 5:20; Rev. 22:15)? Would finding “truth” from such a source prove the serpent in the garden of Eden correct (Gen. 3:4-5)?

Reader: Joshua Brady. Speaker: Daniel Agee.