“Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength when thou goest on thy way.”– 1 Samuel 28:22 (KJV)
“So now, please listen to me and let me give you one piece of bread to eat. Then you will have strength for your journey.”– 1 Samuel 28:22 (NLT)
“So now, please, listen to me. Let me give you a little bite to eat so you can remember your strength and continue your journey.”– 1 Samuel 28:22 (MSG)
What Does 1 Samuel 28:22 Mean?
In this verse, we encounter a moment of significant emotional weight and tension. The context of this verse is essential to grasp its meaning. It plays out during a time of great turmoil in Israel’s history when King Saul is facing impending battle with the Philistines. He is desperate for guidance and ultimately seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. When we reflect on the weight of Saul’s actions, we realize that he has turned away from God and resorted to forbidden practices. It speaks volumes about where he is mentally and spiritually. The woman, who is a medium or witch, implores Saul to eat after he is frightened by Samuel. Her offer reinforces the theme that nourishment is vital, not just physically but also spiritually.
This verse serves as a pivotal reminder of how essential it is to nourish ourselves in moments of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. When the weight of the world seems heavy, it is crucial for us to find our strength, much like Saul needed to do before he faced the challenges ahead. Through her offering of bread, we see a gesture of care and compassion, inviting Saul to gather his strength for the journey ahead. In our own lives, we can find parallels in the way we often neglect our own needs when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances. Just as Saul needed to be reminded to eat, we too sometimes forget to take care of ourselves amidst life’s challenges.
1 Samuel 28:22 Explanation and Commentary
When we look deeper into 1 Samuel 28:22, we need to recognize what is happening in the larger context of the chapter. Saul is grappling with immense fear after hearing the news of the impending conflict with the Philistines. This fear propels him to seek out forbidden practices to gain insight and support. It’s a cry for help that many of us might resonate with at various points in life.
In moments of doubt and distress, we often need to lean on others, seeking wisdom and nourishment to guide us through our struggles. The woman, with her compassion and kindness, embodies the love and support we should offer one another. She invites Saul to eat, and this invitation holds a deeper meaning. It’s a reminder that seeking sustenance isn’t just about our physical bodies; our souls also need nourishment and care. After all, we are holistic beings – our physical, emotional, and spiritual states overlap significantly. When one part is hurting, the others can be affected too.
This verse also speaks to the power of intentions; the woman’s intention to care for Saul stands in stark contrast to his aim of seeking wisdom through means that are not of God. We can reflect on how our intentions shape our relationships and our outcomes. Even in desperate circumstances, compassion plays a key role in aiding those around us. Rather than resorting to fear or harshness, let’s choose to be a source of nourishment and support.
As this verse shows, Saul’s physical state affects his emotional well-being. By tending to our bodies through proper nourishment, we can better face our life’s challenges. When we surround ourselves with uplifting people and life-giving words, we provide our souls with what they need to forge ahead. When we care for ourselves, we can better care for those around us.
Finally, this verse serves to remind us of the importance of listening to supportive voices in our lives. The woman speaks with gentleness and concern, urging Saul to receive and be nourished. Just as we should have advisors or friends who encourage and uplift us, let us also be intentional about being those voices for others. In times of uncertainty or fear, it is essential to find and rely on those who can offer genuine care and wisdom.
Context of 1 Samuel 28:22
To understand 1 Samuel 28:22, we must grasp the background of the text clearly. The chapter unfolds during the waning years of King Saul’s reign in Israel. Saul has increasingly distanced himself from God’s ways, resulting in a decline of his authority and an uptick in his despair. The Philistines, ancient enemies of Israel, are gathered for battle, and Saul, feeling isolated and abandoned, seeks counsel from a source far removed from the Lord – a medium in Endor.
This is significant because it highlights Saul’s dire situation and desperation. He has gone from being a once-promising king, anointed by God, to a man devoid of divine guidance. He turns to the very thing he had once rejected: consulting the dead through a medium. This act illustrates a profound turning away from God’s will; in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, we see that such practices are condemned. Saul’s choice reflects a life steeped in fear, showcasing a king at the end of his rope.
As Saul converses with the medium, she is terrified to discover his identity, fearing repercussions for her actions. Saul reassures her, and she goes on to summon the spirit of Samuel. Samuel’s appearance unveils Saul’s tragic reality, leading him to confront his own failures and the consequences of his rebellion against God. This entire narrative sets a powerful stage, as it ultimately shows us that when we remove ourselves from God’s counsel, we place ourselves in perilous places.
Saul’s trajectory offers valuable lessons to us today. We see how neglecting our spiritual health can lead us down paths that are contrary to our true values. This verse and the surrounding context compel us to seek guidance and nourishment from God rather than turning to despair or harmful practices. Instead of isolating ourselves, reaching out to God and surrounding ourselves with wise, supportive communities can significantly change our life journey.
Additionally, we must consider the dangers of momentary choices that can have long-lasting consequences. Saul’s decision to turn to a medium instead of reaching out to God had dire implications. This serves as a reminder of the importance of our choices. Although the medium’s offer of food was out of kindness, we need to realize the overarching narrative at play—the need for divine connection over anything worldly. Our hunger is not solely for food; we hunger for clarity, peace, and purpose that only God can provide.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Samuel 28:22
When we examine the key elements within 1 Samuel 28:22, we notice several components that contribute to the greater message. The phrase “Now therefore, I pray thee” sets the tone for an earnest plea. The woman is not simply offering food; she is extending kindness and compassion. Her appeal is full of goodwill and concern, reminding us that genuine support is often necessary in grim circumstances.
Next, the phrase “hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid” emphasizes the position of the speaker. The woman places herself in the role of servitude, affirming the importance of listening and valuing the voices around us, especially during trying times. This call to listen is a call to humility—to recognize that others can contribute to our well-being.
Moving on, we encounter the act of offering food: “let me set a morsel of bread before thee.” The morsel of bread represents sustenance, the very thing Saul needs to regain his strength. Food, from a biblical perspective, is symbolic of life. Repeatedly, we see the metaphor of bread associated with spiritual nourishment, as seen in John 6:35, where Jesus proclaims, “I am the bread of life.” Therefore, this moment transcends the physical; it’s also about restoring Saul spiritually through care and nourishment in a time of need.
Finally, the phrase “that thou mayest have strength when thou goest on thy way” ties everything together. This statement portrays the goal of the woman’s care – to empower Saul for the journey ahead. Sometimes, in our own lives, we encounter moments where we need others to step in, to share their wisdom, love, and sustenance to help us prepare for our battles. It is in these moments of support that we often find our strength renewed. We can reflect on times that we have been supported by loved ones, or when we offered support to someone in need. These relationships and acts of kindness are essential to our lives as we navigate our journeys.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Samuel 28:22
1 Samuel 28:22 serves as a profound reminder of the lessons we can extract from this moment. First and foremost, we learn the value of community. Just as the woman stepped in to help Saul during a moment of despair, we must embrace the idea of lifting one another up in our lives. In difficult times, we should not hesitate to seek or offer help, as together we are stronger. Having a support system is crucial during challenges, and we should recognize the gifts that come from sharing our burdens.
Another valuable lesson revolves around the importance of taking care of ourselves. Saul’s scenario highlights disregarding self-care in times of stress. Our physical, emotional, and spiritual health are interconnected; thus, neglecting one impacts the others. Just as the woman encourages Saul to eat for physical strength, we should be intentional about feeding ourselves spiritually and emotionally. Whether that involves prayer, seeking God’s guidance, or surrounding ourselves with positive influences, this nourishing of our inner selves will provide the strength to face our challenges.
Additionally, the act of listening is a vital lesson drawn from this verse. The woman implores Saul to listen, to heed her advice. This indicates the significance of opening our ears to those who care for us. Often, we are so wrapped up in our own thoughts or fears that we neglect to recognize the insights others can bring into our lives. By embracing listening as an act of love, we enlarge our perspectives and discover new paths forward.
The underlying message of humility surfaces as well. The woman, in her care for Saul, embodies humility; she sees something greater than herself. We should strive to embrace humility in our relationships, recognizing that we are all in this together. No matter what our circumstances are, we all need support at various points in our lives. Adopting a humble mindset reminds us that strength can flow both ways—receiving from others and offering to them.
Through this verse, we can glean the principle that desperation can lead to unhealthy choices. Saul’s choice to seek out a medium instead of leaning on God is a cautionary tale. We must remain vigilant about the paths we take during our hardships, ensuring they align with our core beliefs. When we find ourselves lost, our first thought should be to seek God, not to abandon our faith in hopes of quick solutions. Wandering away from divine guidance can lead us into muddy waters.
Final Thoughts
1 Samuel 28:22 may seem like a simple verse, but it carries profound lessons that resonate with us today. Through the accounts of Saul and the woman in Endor, we catch a glimpse of ourselves facing challenges and trials. This verse invites us to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and lean on the people around us for nourishment, guidance, and strength. We are reminded to take care of ourselves, listen, and practice humility as we navigate our own journeys.
The actions and words within this chapter carry a resonance that calls us to live thoughtfully and intentionally. We benefit from surrounding ourselves with those who genuinely care for us, treasuring their voices of encouragement. In those moments of fear, let us seek out counsel from those who walk with God. If Saul had turned to others in a positive direction earlier, the trajectory of his story could have been different. Similarly, let us learn from this lesson to root ourselves firmly in community and divine guidance.
As we turn the pages of our lives, let us not forget the lessons learned here in this verse. We are called to uplift one another – to offer the bread of life not just in the physical sense but also spiritually and emotionally. So, as we reflect on this powerful moment, let’s choose to be voices of wisdom and care for one another. If you are interested in further exploring the stories in 1 Samuel, consider reading about [the deep friendship of David and Jonathan](https://biblerepository.com/1-samuel-203) or the struggles of Saul’s family in times of crisis. There’s so much more to uncover in the richness of Scripture!