Saul’s Desperation

We now backtrack to 1 Samuel 28 to study Saul’s response to the Philistine invasion of Israel. This section begins with some background information. We’re reminded first of all that Samuel is dead and buried, a fact that was recorded in 25:1. But then it is noted that Saul, at some unspecified point earlier in his reign, made an effort to expel all “mediums and spiritists” from Israel. This was a very worthy endeavor for an Israelite king, for practitioners of black arts were ” ‘abominations’ ” to God and were not to be tolerated in Israel (Deut. 18:9–14). These two details—Samuel’s absence and the campaign against mediums and spiritists—are important for what follows.

The author of the book picks up the story some days after David’s dismissal, when the Philistines have marched from their muster point at Aphek to Shunem, a point just a few miles southwest of the Sea of Galilee and far to the north of most of the action in the book of 1 Samuel. In this area, the Philistines can operate their chariots to good advantage and possibly drive a wedge entirely through Israel, splitting it in half. Saul moves north in response to this threat and sets up camp in Gilboa, high ground just south of Shunem. From this vantage point, he can see the size of the united Philistine force, and the sight fills him with despair. In an effort to find guidance and assurance, he tries to inquire of God. The text leaves the impression that Saul uses every available method, but God simply refuses to answer him. Saul long ago turned from God’s ways, seeing no need to submit to Him, and so God rejected him as king. Now Saul seeks God out of fear and doubt, not love and submission. His approach to God is so unworthy that 1 Chronicles 10:14 actually says he does not inquire of God.

Then, in his desperation, Saul makes a fateful decision: He commands his men to find a medium, that he might seek her advice. Surprisingly, Saul’s men readily report that there is a medium at En Dor, some miles north of the Philistine lines. This area was a pocket of Canaanite resistance when Israel occupied the land (Josh. 17:11–12), and pagan activities apparently are still practiced there. Saul obviously knows such practices are wrong in God’s sight, but he refuses to submit. Once more, he falls into situational ethics. Seeking guidance, he decides to defy the guidance God already has given in His Law.