“Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.”– 1 Samuel 28:11 (KJV)
““What’s the spirit you want me to bring up?” the woman asked. “Bring up Samuel,” he replied.”– 1 Samuel 28:11 (NLT)
“The woman said, “Who shall I bring up for you?” “Bring me Samuel,” he said.”– 1 Samuel 28:11 (MSG)
What Does 1 Samuel 28:11 Mean?
This verse takes us into a dramatic moment in the story of King Saul, who was facing a desperate situation. He was frightened by the approaching Philistine army and felt abandoned by God because God was no longer communicating with him. Seeking guidance, he turned to a medium, a practice forbidden in Israel. Saul’s request for Samuel, the prophet who had died, highlights his spiritual desperation, as well as his doubt in God’s guidance. It is a reminder that in our moments of fear and isolation, we can also be tempted to seek guidance from sources outside of God, which can lead us astray. The medium was asked to bring up Samuel from the dead, demonstrating Saul’s desire to receive wisdom and counsel from someone who had been a pivotal figure in his life.
In this context, the request represents not just a plea for insight but a violation of God’s commandments and moral standards. Saul’s actions exhibit a heart in conflict, torn between a desire for divine guidance and the fear that leads him to seek it through forbidden means. This serves as a warning to us; when we face dire situations, we must be mindful of where we seek help and guidance. God desires for us to trust Him and rely on His word above all.
1 Samuel 28:11 Explanation and Commentary
This story unfolds within the broader narrative of Saul’s decline as king. Once a strong leader, Saul had drifted away from God’s commandments, resulting in a loss of favor. His request to seek out a medium illustrates not just his desperation but the extent of his isolation. By reaching out to a medium, he essentially acknowledged his disconnection from God, which points to a spiritual decline. This moment carries weight in understanding the consequences of neglecting our relationship with God. Instead of seeking God’s presence, Saul chose to resort to necromancy.
As we witness this moment, we might feel sympathy for Saul, who finds himself trapped in fear and confusion. We, too, can experience moments where our faith seems distant or unacknowledged by the divine. It’s important to recognize that in these challenging moments, there are always avenues to seek God, like prayer, scripture, or community, rather than reaching for something conflicted, which may take us further from His guidance.
This act brings up significant moral implications. We must be aware of the dangers of turning to sources that may lead us away from God’s true will. Seeking wisdom should always start with prayer and scripture. When we choose to connect with God, we open ourselves up to His wisdom, which will never mislead us. Saul did not have access to the tools that we now do, yet he still chose to disregard the right path.
In this verse, we can also see the profound impact of Samuel on Saul’s life. Samuel was not just a prophet; he represented God’s voice in Saul’s life. Thus, it’s reasonable to expect that Saul wanted to tap into that guidance once more, even if through a means that was prohibited. The desperation to seek guidance, even posthumously, shows the deep need for connection we have to God’s direction, even when we fall short.
Context of 1 Samuel 28:11
This verse is found in a larger narrative illustrating the tragic decline of King Saul. Previously, in the story, we see Saul leading a nation that faces grave threats; the people are in turmoil, and Saul is consumed by fear. His no longer having God’s approval leads him to feel utterly lost. Saul had progressively disobeyed God’s commandments, and this sin caused a rift between him and God, culminating in God’s silence.
Samuel, who had once served as a guide, mentor, and prophetic voice to Saul, had been dead for some time. Saul’s desperation leads him to seek the counsel of a medium in Endor, an act that was expressly condemned in the Law of Moses. By going to a medium, Saul not only revealed his lack of faith in God but also willingly pursued a questionable path, disregarding God’s law and the consequences thereof.
It is vital for us to understand the full implications of the context. Saul’s plight serves as both a warning and an example. It shows us what can happen when we stray from faith and seek guidance from places that do not align with God’s will. Instead of turning back to God’s mercy, he turned to a practice that was forbidden, risking not just his life but the lives of the Israelites under his leadership.
Reflecting on this passage, we can view it as a cautionary tale for ourselves. Are we seeking wisdom elsewhere when we face tough decisions? Instead of remaining in prayerful dialogue with God or consulting wise counsel from those who follow God, are we turning to other sources? This story is a highly relevant reminder to us that seeking God must always be our primary response in times of urgency.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Samuel 28:11
The act of asking a medium to summon Samuel is significant. It sets the stage for a moment filled with tension and pressure. Saul’s saying “Bring me Samuel” is loaded with desperation and a hope that he could somehow recapture a connection he once had with God through Samuel’s voice. This request sheds light on Saul’s internal conflict; he seeks the voice of authority and wisdom but relies on methods that are contrary to God’s will.
This is a very human experience. How often do we try to regain certainty in chaotic times by seeking out advice or guidance in the wrong places? Approaching wisdom from an unholy or questionable source can leave us feeling lost and confused. As we examine Saul’s situation, we find a part of ourselves in his struggles; we may find our tendency to seek out solutions based on fear rather than faith.
When we think of the word “bring up,” it triples back to the concept of resurrection in this context. Samuel is sought, not just as a figure of authority but as someone who once spoke on behalf of God. This search signifies a thirst for hope or maybe a final plea for God to intervene. Yet the tragic irony is that Saul’s attempt would not result in the guidance he yearned for but instead led him deeper into darkness.
Understanding the implications of this reveals profound lessons: there are times when our choices lead us astray, further isolating us from God. When faced with challenges, we need to prioritize our relationship with God, remaining still before Him rather than rushing to any other option. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially pushing away from what God has directed us towards. Remembering this helps us to reflect on how we seek wisdom during challenging moments.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Samuel 28:11
From this narrative, we can gather several essential lessons. It’s crucial for us to explore our tendencies to seek help during dire consequences, especially considering Saul’s choice to consult a medium. As followers of Christ, we also need to be continually aware of where we invest our time and energy when the going gets tough.
One of the most significant lessons is the value of seeking Godly counsel. Saul had grown estranged from God due to his disobedience, leading him to seek guidance from a medium. His choices highlight the value of surrounding ourselves with trusted and faithful advisories. In our times of need, we should always turn to God and seek insight through his Word, prayer, and wise counsel from fellow believers.
Another takeaway is recognizing the importance of staying grounded in our relationship with God. The moments we find ourselves far from God often lead us to desperate situations. By remaining consistent in our faith practices, we can grow in our understanding of God’s character, which in turn will help us navigate difficulties with confidence, preventing us from seeking harmful alternatives.
Lastly, we learn the lesson of humility. Saul had been stripped of his majesty and placed in a place devoid of hope. True humility leads us back to God, away from pride and self-reliance. In humbling ourselves, we invite God to work through us, reminding us of His love and desire to guide us on His paths.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 28:11 is a powerful reminder of the importance of our relationship with God. It serves as a cautionary tale illustrating the pitfalls of turning to sources outside of His guidance in times of need. We must remain grounded in prayer, scripture, and fellowship with fellow believers, casting aside any fears that may tempt us to stray from God’s path.
Our faith journey is not always easy, and there will be times when we feel abandoned or confused. However, it is during those moments that we can recall Saul’s story and choose a different path. Let’s commit ourselves to seeking guidance through prayer, staying connected with God, and relying on the wisdom of those who reflect His light. For those who might want to explore related topics, you can check out 1 Samuel 20 or perhaps 1 Samuel 20:1. Through His Word, we find the strength to face life’s challenges head-on.