“And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.”– 1 Samuel 28:6 (KJV)
“He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord didn’t answer him either by dreams or by sacred lots or by prophets.”– 1 Samuel 28:6 (NLT)
“When Saul asked God what to do, God didn’t answer—neither by dream nor by sign nor by prophet.”– 1 Samuel 28:6 (MSG)
What Does 1 Samuel 28:6 Mean?
In this verse, we see a dramatic moment in the life of King Saul. He has experienced many successes and failures throughout his reign, but now he faces a crisis. The Israelite army is in peril, and Saul feels desperate and alone. When he turns to God, he finds silence. This moment reveals so much about Saul’s relationship with God and his struggles as a leader. It teaches us that God can sometimes be silent when we most need guidance, which can be a difficult experience. Saul’s silence signifies that he had moved away from God’s presence and is filled with fear and uncertainty.
This lack of divine communication is alarming, especially since Saul had previously been a chosen king, anointed by the prophet Samuel. However, we observe that Saul’s repeated disobedience and lack of faith had driven a wedge between him and God. The significance of God’s silence serves as a reminder for us today. It teaches us the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God. When we live in disobedience or turn away from Him, we risk losing that direct communication.
1 Samuel 28:6 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on this verse, we can recognize that Saul’s inquiry into God’s will shows his desperation. He attempts to reach out to God but encounters only a deafening silence. This silence can indicate a couple of different things. For one, it can highlight the consequences of our choices. Saul had been neglectful of God’s commands over time, leading to a disconnection in their relationship. When we consistently choose actions that violate God’s desires for our lives, it can result in a lack of clarity in times when we seek His guidance.
We may ask why God would remain silent when we need answers. God, in His wisdom, sometimes chooses not to respond for reasons that may not be immediately clear to us. Sometimes, He allows us to grapple with our challenges, drawing us closer to Him and leading us to reflect on our choices. The fear and anxiety Saul felt as the threats grew around him may mirror our struggles during difficult times when we feel God is silent.
We can look to other scriptures for insight into the nature of God’s communication. In James 1:5, we are assured, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” This promise emphasizes that God desires to guide us when we seek His direction sincerely. However, if our hearts are not aligned with His will, we may find it challenging to receive guidance.
Additionally, we can recall Psalm 66:18, which states, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” This suggests that to hear God’s voice, we must also examine our hearts and remove anything that stands in the way of our relationship with Him.
Context of 1 Samuel 28:6
To truly understand this verse, we must explore the context surrounding Saul’s situation. Saul was the first king of Israel, but his reign was marred by disobedience. His unauthorized actions, such as offering sacrifices without Samuel, resulted in God rejecting him as king (1 Samuel 13:14). The narrative leading to 1 Samuel 28 highlights the growing tension between him and David, who had been anointed to succeed him. Saul’s fear of losing his position and David’s rising popularity occupied much of his thoughts.
At this point in the story, Saul faced the Philistine army. Meanwhile, the Spirit of God had departed from him, and he was in a state of torment. Beyond external threats, he grappled with his separation from God. In search of clarity and strength, he turned to God, only to find silence. This silence from God emphasized Saul’s spiritual condition and the impact of his choices.
In a moment of desperation, Saul sought out a medium to consult the spirit of Samuel. This act of seeking forbidden practices further illustrated his distress and separation from God. As readers, we can evaluate how desperate situations may lead us to make choices that stray from God’s directions, just as Saul did.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Samuel 28:6
The verse begins with Saul’s inquiry: “And when Saul inquired of the Lord.” This shows his recognition that he needed guidance and wisdom. It is essential to acknowledge that even when we feel lost, turning to God is an important step. In our lives, we may encounter moments of uncertainty where we feel compelled to seek divine wisdom.
The next part states, “the Lord answered him not.” This phrase reflects God’s silence, which can feel devastating. Many of us have experienced times when God seems unresponsive. These moments can create doubt and fear. We might wonder if we have done something wrong or if God has abandoned us. However, this portion of the verse serves to highlight the consequences of our actions and the need to remain faithful to God.
The verse further mentions, “neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.” In ancient Israel, God often communicated through these methods. Dreams represented God’s messages during sleep, Urim (a part of the high priest’s attire) was used for decision-making, and prophets delivered God’s words to the people. Saul’s inability to connect through any of these means illustrates the weight of his spiritual decline. It reminds us to cherish our relationship and communication with God.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Samuel 28:6
This verse teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of staying connected to God. When we feel distant, it is vital to assess our lives and choices. Are we living in a way that reflects our commitment to Him? How do our priorities align with God’s plan? Understanding our position can help us renew our relationship with Him.
Secondly, the silence of God can serve as a powerful lesson in faith. Just because we do not receive immediate answers does not mean God is absent. It is an opportunity for us to deepen our trust in Him and seek to learn patience in our waiting. Psalm 27:14 encourages us, saying, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” This assures us that waiting is often part of our spiritual maturity.
Lastly, this verse reminds us to be cautious about seeking answers in ways that deviate from God’s will. Saul’s choice to consult a medium exemplifies how fear and desperation can lead us away from faith. We must continuously seek God’s guidance through prayer and scripture rather than resorting to unhealthy alternatives in times of uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 28:6 sheds light on the importance of our relationship with God and His ways of communicating with us. We must pursue righteousness and alignment with His will to experience clear guidance in times of need. Saul’s silence from God stands as a powerful reminder to cherish our connection with Him and remain steadfast even in challenging times.
By reflecting on how we listen for God’s voice, we can open ourselves to deeper understanding and guidance. Let us learn from Saul’s mistakes so we can grow in faith, recognizing that even in silence, God is ever-present with us. For further exploration, consider reading about Saul’s earlier actions in 1 Samuel 20 or 1 Samuel 19. Both passages provide a richer understanding of his character and choices during a tumultuous time for Israel.