1 Samuel 28

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the Philistines gathering their army to fight against Israel, and King Saul, realizing his situation, becomes afraid. He tries to inquire of the Lord, but the Lord does not answer him. In desperation, Saul disguises himself and visits a medium at Endor, asking her to conjure up the spirit of Samuel. The medium, unaware of Saul's identity, is shocked when Samuel appears, and Samuel delivers a message of judgment and doom to Saul. The chapter ends with Saul's fear and desperation, as he realizes his fate is sealed. Key verses include 1 Samuel 28:6, where the Lord does not answer Saul, and 1 Samuel 28:16-19, where Samuel pronounces judgment on Saul.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy in Israel. The chapter fits into the story of Saul's reign, highlighting his disobedience and the consequences that follow. It also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and judgment, as well as the importance of seeking His guidance and wisdom. The chapter is connected to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes the need for obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.

Heart Application

This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our lives. We must be careful not to reject His wisdom and instead seek out false sources of guidance. The chapter encourages us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we are living in obedience to God's commands and seeking His guidance in times of need.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of King Saul, who is facing a big problem with the Philistine army. He tries to ask God for help, but God is silent. So, Saul goes to a medium, which is like a fortune teller, to try and get some answers. The medium calls up the spirit of Samuel, who tells Saul that he will lose the battle and die. This chapter teaches us that we should always seek God's guidance and wisdom, and not look to false sources for help. As it says in 1 Samuel 28:6, the Lord did not answer Saul, and this led to his downfall.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's silence is sometimes more terrible than His voice. When He does not speak, it is because we have not spoken to Him in obedience and faith.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The medium at Endor represents the foolishness of seeking guidance from false sources. We must instead look to God's Word and seek His wisdom in all things.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Philistines Gather Their Army (1 Samuel 28:1-2) — The chapter begins with the Philistines gathering their army to fight against Israel. This sets the stage for Saul's desperation and fear.
2. Saul's Desperation and Fear (1 Samuel 28:3-6) — Saul tries to inquire of the Lord, but the Lord does not answer him. This leads to Saul's desperation and fear, as he realizes his situation is dire.
3. Saul Visits the Medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-14) — Saul disguises himself and visits a medium at Endor, asking her to conjure up the spirit of Samuel. The medium, unaware of Saul's identity, is shocked when Samuel appears.
4. Samuel's Message of Judgment (1 Samuel 28:15-19) — Samuel delivers a message of judgment and doom to Saul, pronouncing God's judgment on him for his disobedience. This message serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom.
5. Saul's Reaction to the News (1 Samuel 28:20-25) — Saul is afraid and desperate after hearing Samuel's message. He realizes his fate is sealed and that he will lose the battle against the Philistines.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things. God's judgment on Saul is a reminder of His power and authority.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. Saul's disobedience leads to his downfall, while obedience would have led to blessing and success.

The Consequences of Sin

The chapter illustrates the consequences of sin and disobedience. Saul's actions have led to his spiritual bankruptcy, and he is now facing the consequences of his choices.

The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance

The chapter teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our lives. We must be careful not to reject His wisdom and instead seek out false sources of guidance.

Lessons from 1 Samuel 28

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands. Disobedience leads to consequences, while obedience leads to blessing and success.
2. The Dangers of Seeking False Guidance — The chapter warns us against seeking false sources of guidance, like the medium at Endor. Instead, we must prioritize seeking God's wisdom and guidance.
3. The Consequences of Sin — The chapter illustrates the consequences of sin and disobedience. We must be careful to avoid sin and instead seek out God's forgiveness and restoration.
4. The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance — The chapter teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our lives. We must prioritize this and seek out His wisdom in all things.
5. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things. We must trust in His power and authority, even in difficult circumstances.

Themes from 1 Samuel 28

1. The Theme of Judgment — The chapter highlights God's judgment on Saul for his disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom.
2. The Theme of Guidance — The chapter teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our lives. We must prioritize this and seek out His wisdom in all things.
3. The Theme of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. Disobedience leads to consequences, while obedience leads to blessing and success.
4. The Theme of Sin and Consequences — The chapter illustrates the consequences of sin and disobedience. We must be careful to avoid sin and instead seek out God's forgiveness and restoration.
5. The Theme of God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things. We must trust in His power and authority, even in difficult circumstances.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from Saul's desperation and fear in this chapter? How can we apply this to our own lives?
2. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom? How can we prioritize this in our own lives?
3. How does the chapter illustrate the consequences of sin and disobedience? What warnings can we take from this for our own lives?
4. What does the chapter reveal about God's character and nature? How can we apply this to our own understanding of God?
5. How can we avoid seeking false sources of guidance, like the medium at Endor, and instead seek out God's wisdom and guidance?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 Samuel 28

	Sermon	Description
	(Demonology) Wizards Witches Sorcery Spiritism by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience and informs them that there are books available for purchase. However, these books are specifically made for the audience and not
	Attaining Immortality by Robert B. Thompson	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the unusual and tragic events happening in the year 2000, emphasizing that God is pruning his orchard and working in mysterious ways. The sp
	Pure Heart, Pure Church - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon delves into the consequences of forsaking God, using the example of a man who was once anointed by the Holy Spirit but tragically ended his life in suicide. It emphasiz
	God Not Answering Saul by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Saul in 1 Samuel chapter 28. Saul is facing a daunting battle against the Philistines, but he is filled with fear and his
	(1 Samuel) When God Won’t Talk to You by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying what we already know to hear from the Lord. He warns against any connection with the occult or demonic, stating tha
	Spiritual and Carnal Weapons. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar explores the tragic narrative of King Saul's despair when faced with the Philistine army, emphasizing God's silence in response to Saul's inquiries. Saul's fear lead
	Divine Silence and Human Despair by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar explores the themes of divine silence and human despair through the tragic story of King Saul, who, in a moment of desperation, seeks counsel from a medium after God
	Commentary Notes - I Samuel by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the Book of I Samuel, highlighting the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy through the rise and fall of King Saul. The key theme of the
	The Awful Void by George Kulp	George Kulp delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of spiritual suicide, using the story of King Saul as a cautionary tale. Saul, once anointed by God and filled with the S
	I Samuel 26:21 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fu

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 28

In this chapter, we see the desperate state of King Saul, who, having lost the favor of God, seeks guidance from a medium at Endor. The medium, unaware of Saul's identity, conjures up the spirit of Samuel, who delivers a message of judgment and doom to Saul. This chapter teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom, and the dangers of seeking false sources of guidance. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord's silence is sometimes more terrible than His voice.' We must be careful to prioritize seeking God's wisdom and guidance in all things, lest we suffer the same fate as Saul. The chapter also highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, reminding us to trust in His power and authority, even in difficult circumstances. As seen in 1 Samuel 28:16, Samuel's message to Saul serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?