1 Samuel 28:22

Verse

Now please listen to your servant and let me set a morsel of bread before you so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.”

American Standard Version (1901)

Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thy handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.

Bible in Basic English

So now, give ear to the voice of your servant, and let me give you a little bread; and take some food to give you strength when you go on your way.

Free Bible Version

Now please do what I tell you. Let me bring you a little bit of food. Eat it, and you'll have the strength to go on your way.”

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

So now please pay attention to what I say. Allow me to give you some food, in order that you will eat it and get enough strength to go back to your army.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Now therefore, I beg you, listen also to the voice of your woman servant, and let me set a little food in front of you. Eat so that you may gain strength for when you go on your way.”

Noah Webster Bible

Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also to the voice of thy handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.

World English Bible

Now therefore, please listen also to the voice of your servant, and let me set a morsel of bread before you. Eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.”

Young's Literal Translation

and now, hearken, I pray thee, also thou, to the voice of thy maid-servant, and I set before thee a morsel of bread, and eat, and there is in thee power when thou goest in the way.'

Context

Saul and the Medium of Endor

²¹When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was, she said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. I took my life in my hands and did as you told me.²²Now please listen to your servant and let me set a morsel of bread before you so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.”

Summary

In this verse, King Saul is confronted by Samuel's spirit after seeking a medium to summon the deceased prophet. Samuel's message to Saul is a grim confirmation of his impending defeat and death in battle. Despite Saul's desperation for guidance, Samuel's words serve as a final warning and judgment for his disobedience to God's commands. This encounter underscores the consequences of seeking guidance from sources contrary to God's will and the importance of obedience in maintaining a relationship with Him.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid,.... She argues, that as she had hearkened unto him to the endangering of her life, it was but reasonable, and might be expected, that he would hearken to her in a case that would be to the preservation of his life: and let me set a morsel of bread before thee, and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way; which she might urge, not merely out of respect to the king, but for her own sake, lest should he die in her house, she might be taken up, not only for a witch, but as being accessory to the death of the king; and therefore she moves, that he would take some food for refreshment of nature, that he might be able to depart her house, and go on his way to his army.