1 Samuel 28:3
1 Samuel 28:3 in Multiple Translations
Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.
¶ Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel, after weeping for him, had put his body in its last resting-place in Ramah, his town. And Saul had put away from the land all those who had control of spirits and who made use of secret arts.
By now Samuel had died, and all of Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his home town. Saul had got rid of mediums and spiritists from the country.
(Samuel was then dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah his owne citie: and Saul had put away the sorcerers, and the soothsayers out of the land)
And Samuel hath died, and all Israel mourn for him, and bury him in Ramah, even in his city, and Saul hath turned aside those having familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. Saul had sent away those who had familiar spirits and the wizards out of the land.
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel mourned for him, and buried him in Ramatha his city. And Saul had put away all the magicians and soothsayers out of the land.
While Samuel was still alive, Saul did many things that pleased Yahweh. One of the good things that Saul did was to expel from Israel all the people who were fortune-tellers or who talked to the spirits of dead people. But Samuel had died, and all the Israeli people had mourned for him. Then they had buried him in Ramah, his hometown. After that, Saul did not try to please Yahweh any more.
A long time before this, Saul stopped the clever men and women from talking to the spirits of dead people, and he hunted them away from Israel. You see, that is in God’s law. When the old man Samuel died, the Israel mob all cried for him, and they buried him in his own town, called Ramah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 28:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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1 Samuel 28:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
מֵ֔ת
וַ/יִּסְפְּדוּ
ל/וֹ֙
כָּל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וַ/יִּקְבְּרֻ֥/הוּ
בָ/רָמָ֖ה
וּ/בְ/עִיר֑/וֹ
וְ/שָׁא֗וּל
הֵסִ֛יר
הָ/אֹב֥וֹת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/יִּדְּעֹנִ֖ים
מֵ/הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וּ/שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
Conj | N-proper
מֵ֔ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יִּסְפְּדוּ
çâphad
H5594
to mourn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יִּקְבְּרֻ֥/הוּ
qâbar
H6912
to bury
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
בָ/רָמָ֖ה
Râmâh
H7414
Ramah
Prep | N-proper
וּ/בְ/עִיר֑/וֹ
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
וְ/שָׁא֗וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
Conj | N-proper
הֵסִ֛יר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
הָ/אֹב֥וֹת
ʼôwb
H178
medium
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/יִּדְּעֹנִ֖ים
yiddᵉʻônîy
H3049
spiritist
Art | N-mp
מֵ/הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 28:3
וּ/שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
"Shemuel"
Conj | N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
מֵ֔ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/יִּסְפְּדוּ
çâphad
H5594
"to mourn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to mourn or lament, often by tearing hair and beating breasts. It involves expressing deep sadness or grief, like wailing or lamenting. The KJV translates it as lament or mourn.
Definition: 1) to wail, lament, mourn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wail, lament 1a2) wailers (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be lamented, be bewailed
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn(-er), wail. See also: Genesis 23:2; Jeremiah 16:4; Isaiah 32:12.
ל/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יִּקְבְּרֻ֥/הוּ
qâbar
H6912
"to bury"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To bury means to inter or lay someone to rest, often in a grave or tomb. This word is used throughout the Bible to describe the act of burying the dead, and is translated as bury in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to bury 1a) (Qal) to bury 1b) (Niphal) to be buried 1c) (Piel) to bury, bury (in masses) 1d) (Pual) to be buried
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 14:31; Psalms 79:3.
בָ/רָמָ֖ה
Râmâh
H7414
"Ramah"
Prep | N-proper
Ramah, a city in Palestine, was a place of battle between Israel and Syria.
Definition: Ramah = "hill" a place of battle between Israel and Syria Another name of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ramah. See also: Joshua 18:25; 1 Samuel 25:1; Isaiah 10:29.
וּ/בְ/עִיר֑/וֹ
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/שָׁא֗וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
Conj | N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
הֵסִ֛יר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
הָ/אֹב֥וֹת
ʼôwb
H178
"medium"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a medium or a person who tries to contact the dead, often using a hollow object like a water skin to make it seem like a spirit is speaking. This practice is forbidden in the Bible.
Definition: 1) water skin bottle 2) necromancer 1b) necromancer, one who evokes the dead 1c) ghost, spirit of a dead one 1d) practice of necromancy 3) one that has a familiar spirit
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: bottle, familiar spirit. See also: Leviticus 19:31; 2 Kings 21:6; Isaiah 8:19.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יִּדְּעֹנִ֖ים
yiddᵉʻônîy
H3049
"spiritist"
Art | N-mp
A spiritist, or wizard, is someone who claims to have a familiar spirit, like a necromancer or soothsayer, as seen in the Bible. This term is used to describe people who practice occult arts.
Definition: 1) a knower, one who has a familiar spirit 1a) a familiar spirit, soothsayer, necromancer (meton)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: wizard. See also: Leviticus 19:31; 1 Samuel 28:9; Isaiah 8:19.
מֵ/הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 28:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 28:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:3
Context — The Philistines Gather against Israel
1Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.”
2David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”
3Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.
4The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa. 5When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:31 | You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 25:1 | When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran. |
| 3 | Leviticus 20:27 | A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.’” |
| 4 | Exodus 22:18 | You must not allow a sorceress to live. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 18:10–11 | Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. |
| 6 | Isaiah 57:1–2 | The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are swept away, while no one considers that the righteous are guided from the presence of evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 28:9 | But the woman replied, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has killed the mediums and spiritists in the land. Why have you set a trap to get me killed?” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 7:17 | Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 15:23 | For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” |
| 10 | Acts 16:16–19 | One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!” She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment. When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. |
1 Samuel 28:3 Summary
This verse tells us that Samuel, a great prophet and leader in Israel, had passed away, and the people were very sad about it. They buried him in his hometown of Ramah, showing how much they respected him. Meanwhile, King Saul had tried to get rid of all the people who claimed to talk to spirits, which was against God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. This shows that even though Saul was trying to do some good things, he still had a lot to learn about following God's commands and trusting in Him, rather than seeking help from other sources (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it significant that Samuel had died by this time?
Samuel's death marked the end of an era in Israel's history, as he was the last judge and the one who had anointed Saul as king, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:24 (1 Samuel 10:24). This event set the stage for the transition to a new period in Israel's history.
What does it mean that all Israel mourned for Samuel and buried him in Ramah?
The mourning and burial of Samuel in Ramah, his hometown, indicate the high esteem in which he was held by the Israelites, who recognized his role as a prophet and leader in their history, similar to how they mourned for Moses in Deuteronomy 34:8.
Why did Saul remove the mediums and spiritists from the land?
Saul's removal of mediums and spiritists from the land may have been an attempt to follow God's command in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which prohibits consulting with such individuals, but it is also possible that this action was not truly motivated by a desire to follow God's laws.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse provides background information for the rest of the chapter, which describes Saul's interactions with a medium in 1 Samuel 28:7-25, showing that despite his earlier removal of mediums, Saul still sought their counsel in times of distress.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the way Israel mourned for Samuel, and how can we apply this to our own relationships with spiritual leaders?
- In what ways do we, like Saul, try to follow God's commands without truly surrendering our hearts to Him?
- How can we, like the Israelites, recognize and honor the leaders God has placed in our lives, such as pastors or mentors?
- What role should spiritual leaders play in our lives, according to Scripture, and how can we support and pray for them?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:3
Now Samuel was dead,.... Had been so for some time; which is mentioned before, 1 Samuel 25:1; and here repeated, partly to observe the reason of the Philistines renewing the war, and partly to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:3
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
Samuel was dead: this is mentioned here as the reason why Saul did not inquire of Samuel; which, if he had now been alive, he would have done. In his own city, where he had his birth and education, and most settled habitation, . Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards; according to God’ s command, 20:6,27 Deuteronomy 18:11. This he did, either by Samuel’ s instigation; or from a conceit that the evil spirit came upon him by some of their means; or that he might gain the repute of a religious prince, which was very useful to him; or that he might quiet his troubled conscience, and please God as far as his interest would give him leave. And this is here related, partly to show that a hypocrite and wicked man may obey some of God’ s commands, and principally to bring in the following history. Out of the land of Israel.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
1 Samuel 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.Ver. 3. Now Samuel was dead.] See 1 Samuel 25:1. And all Israel had lamented him.] This is one of the dues of the dead - viz., to be sowed in the earth, and watered with tears. Mors mea ne careat lachrymis. And buried him in Ramah.] The bodies of the saints, being the temples of the Holy Ghost, should with reverence be commended and committed unto Christian sepulture, in hope of the resurrection. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits.] This he had done, according to Leviticus 19:31 Leviticus 20:6; Leviticus 20:27, at the beginning of his reign, say some, or else when for a show of his great zeal he slew the Gibeonites, as others hold. His seeking to these kind of creatures again therefore in his extremity, was a sin against conscience; it was point blank against verity, equity, and piety, as Junius observeth.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
(3) Now Samuel was dead.—A statement here repeated to introduce the strange, sad story which follows. The LXX., followed by the Vulg. and Syriac Versions, omitted it, not understanding the reason for its repetition. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.—This statement is also inserted explanatory of what follows. In other words, the compiler says: “Now Samuel, whom Saul was so anxious to see, was dead and buried, and the possessors of familiar spirits, whose aid Saul was about to invoke to carry out his purpose, had long since been put out, by his own order, from the land.” “Those that had familiar spirits”—those that had at their command τboth, rendered “familiar spirits,” the plural form of τb, a word which has never been explained with any certainty. Scholars think they can connect it with τb, to be hollow, and τb is then “the hollow thing,” or “bag;” and so it came to signify, “one who speaks in a hollow voice.” It hence appears to mean the distended belly of the ventriloquist, a word by which the LXX. always render τb. It thus is used to designate the male or female ventriloquist, as in 1 Samuel 27:3; 1 Samuel 27:9, and Deuteronomy 18:11, &c., and also the spirit which was supposed to speak from the belly of the ventriloquist; in this sense it is so used in 1 Samuel 27:8-9, and Isaiah 29:4. This is the explanation given by Erdmann in Lange, and the Bishop of Bath and Wells in the Speaker’s Commentary.The wizards.—Literally, the wise people. These are ever connected with the τboth, “those that had familiar spirits.” The name seems to have been given in irony to these dealers in occult and forbidden arts. The Mosaic command respecting these people was clear and decisive: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch.(or wizard) to live” (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27). Saul, in his early zeal, we read, had actively put in force these edicts of Moses, which apparently, in the lax state of things which had long prevailed in Israel, had been suffered to lie in abeyance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
Verse 3. Samuel was dead] And there was no longer a public accredited prophet to consult. Those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards] See Clarke on Leviticus 19:31, and "Exodus 22:18".
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:3
3–14. Saul resorts to the witch of Endor 3. Now Samuel, &c.] From 1 Samuel 28:3 to the end of the chapter is an independent narrative. 1 Samuel 28:3 states by way of introduction certain facts as the key to the incidents about to be related: (1) the death and burial of Samuel (1 Samuel 25:1); (2) Saul’s expulsion of the soothsayers. This he probably did in the early part of his reign. An allusion to it may be traced in 1 Samuel 15:23. It was In accordance with the Law. See Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10 ff. those that had familiar spirits] The Hebrew word Ob signifies (1) the demon or spirit supposed to speak through the necromancer; (2) the possessor of such a spirit. It is generally rendered by the Sept. “ventriloquist” (ἐγγαστρίμυθος), probably because the spirit was supposed to speak from the necromancer’s belly, not as some suppose, because ventriloquists abused their powers for imposing upon the credulous. the wizards] Wizard, connected with wit and wise, is an exact equivalent of the Heb. word, which means “a knowing one:” one who is supposed to possess a knowledge of the future by mysterious means.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 28:3
It does not appear when Saul had suppressed witchcraft; it was probably in the early part of his reign. Familiar spirits ... wizards - i. e. ventriloquists ... wise or cunning men. See Leviticus 19:31 note.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:3
3. Samuel was dead — This fact had been already recorded, (1 Samuel 25:1,) but is repeated here for the purpose of introducing the narrative that follows.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:3
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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 |
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(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 |
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Hindrances to Holiness by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness and separation from worldly influences. It challenges Christians to hunger and thirst for righteousness, remove pollutants from th |
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1 Samuel 15 by Robert F. Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and not taking them lightly. He uses the example of Saul, who was given the task of executing justi |
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Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings by Rick Leibee | Rick Leibee preaches about the warning in 1 Timothy 4:1-2 regarding some departing from the faith to follow seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, emphasizing the rise of accept |
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Epistle 111 by George Fox | George Fox warns believers to speak plainly and truthfully, allowing their words to reflect the light of Christ within them. He emphasizes that words should be life-giving and root |
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Recognizing and Dealing With Occult Involvement by Bill McLeod | Bill McLeod emphasizes the critical need for believers to recognize and renounce occult involvement, explaining that many individuals struggle with spiritual affliction due to thei |