1 Samuel 28:7
1 Samuel 28:7 in Multiple Translations
Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied.
¶ Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.
Then Saul said to his servants, Get me a woman who has control of a spirit so that I may go to her and get directions. And his servants said to him, There is such a woman at En-dor.
So Saul told his officers, “Find me a woman who is a medium so I can go and ask her advice.” “There's a woman who is a medium at Endor,” his officers replied.
Then saide Saul vnto his seruants, Seeke me a woman that hath a familiar spirite, that I may goe to her, and aske of her. And his seruants said to him, Beholde, there is a woman at En-dor that hath a familiar spirit.
And Saul saith to his servants, 'Seek for me a woman possessing a familiar spirit, and I go unto her, and inquire of her;' and his servants say unto him, 'Lo, a woman possessing a familiar spirit in En-dor.'
Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek for me a woman who has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” His servants said to him, “Behold, there is a woman who has a familiar spirit at Endor.”
Then said Saul to his servants, seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.
And Saul said to his servants: Seek me a woman that hath a divining spirit, and I will go to her, and inquire by her. And his servants said to him: There is a woman that hath a divining spirit at Endor.
Then Saul said to his servants, “Find for me a woman who talks to the spirits of dead people, in order that I can ask her what will happen.” His servants replied, “There is a woman in Endor town who does that.”
So Saul said to his men, “Go and look for a clever woman, one that can talk to dead people’s spirits. I want her to ask Samuel for me. He might give me an answer.” They said to him, “There’s one at that place called Endor.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 28:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 28:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
שָׁא֜וּל
לַ/עֲבָדָ֗י/ו
בַּקְּשׁוּ
לִ/י֙
אֵ֣שֶׁת
בַּעֲלַת
א֔וֹב
וְ/אֵלְכָ֥ה
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
וְ/אֶדְרְשָׁה
בָּ֑/הּ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
עֲבָדָי/ו֙
אֵלָ֔י/ו
הִנֵּ֛ה
אֵ֥שֶׁת
בַּֽעֲלַת
א֖וֹב
בְּ/עֵ֥ין
דּֽוֹר
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֜וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
לַ/עֲבָדָ֗י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-mp | Suff
בַּקְּשׁוּ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
בַּעֲלַת
baʻălâh
H1172
mistress
N-fs
א֔וֹב
ʼôwb
H178
medium
N-ms
וְ/אֵלְכָ֥ה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶדְרְשָׁה
dârash
H1875
to seek
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
בָּ֑/הּ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עֲבָדָי/ו֙
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
בַּֽעֲלַת
baʻălâh
H1172
mistress
N-fs
א֖וֹב
ʼôwb
H178
medium
N-ms
בְּ/עֵ֥ין
ʻÊyn-Dôʼr
H5874
En-dor
Prep | N-proper
דּֽוֹר
ʻÊyn-Dôʼr
H5874
En-dor
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 28:7
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁא֜וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
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.
לַ/עֲבָדָ֗י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
בַּקְּשׁוּ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
בַּעֲלַת
baʻălâh
H1172
"mistress"
N-fs
A mistress or female owner, also a sorceress, is what baalah refers to in the Bible.
Definition: 1) mistress, female owner 2) sorceress, necromancer (noun of relationship)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: that hath, mistress. See also: 1 Samuel 28:7; 1 Kings 17:17; Nahum 3:4.
א֔וֹב
ʼôwb
H178
"medium"
N-ms
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/אֵלְכָ֥ה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/אֶדְרְשָׁה
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
בָּ֑/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עֲבָדָי/ו֙
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
בַּֽעֲלַת
baʻălâh
H1172
"mistress"
N-fs
A mistress or female owner, also a sorceress, is what baalah refers to in the Bible.
Definition: 1) mistress, female owner 2) sorceress, necromancer (noun of relationship)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: that hath, mistress. See also: 1 Samuel 28:7; 1 Kings 17:17; Nahum 3:4.
א֖וֹב
ʼôwb
H178
"medium"
N-ms
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.
בְּ/עֵ֥ין
ʻÊyn-Dôʼr
H5874
"En-dor"
Prep | N-proper
En-Dor, meaning fountain of Dor, is a place in the territory of Issachar, where the spiritist consulted by King Saul resided. The Bible mentions En-Dor in 1 Samuel, where it is associated with the witch of Endor. It is located near Mount Tabor.
Definition: § En-dor = "fountain of Dor" a place in the territory of Issachar yet possessed by Manasseh; located 4 miles (6.5 km) north of Tabor place of residence of the spiritist consulted by king Saul
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: En-dor. See also: Joshua 17:11; 1 Samuel 28:7; Psalms 83:11.
דּֽוֹר
ʻÊyn-Dôʼr
H5874
"En-dor"
N-proper
En-Dor, meaning fountain of Dor, is a place in the territory of Issachar, where the spiritist consulted by King Saul resided. The Bible mentions En-Dor in 1 Samuel, where it is associated with the witch of Endor. It is located near Mount Tabor.
Definition: § En-dor = "fountain of Dor" a place in the territory of Issachar yet possessed by Manasseh; located 4 miles (6.5 km) north of Tabor place of residence of the spiritist consulted by king Saul
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: En-dor. See also: Joshua 17:11; 1 Samuel 28:7; Psalms 83:11.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 28:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 28:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:7
Context — Saul and the Medium of Endor
5When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.
6He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
7Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied.
8So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.” 9But 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?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 16:16 | 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. |
| 2 | Joshua 17:11 | Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor (that is, Naphath), Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, each with their surrounding settlements. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 10:13 | So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, |
| 4 | Psalms 83:10 | who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 2:3 | For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. |
| 6 | Isaiah 8:19–20 | When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Isaiah 19:3 | Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 6:33 | While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?” |
| 10 | 2 Kings 1:2–3 | Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.” But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ |
1 Samuel 28:7 Summary
In this verse, Saul is looking for answers and turns to a medium, someone who claims to talk to spirits, because he's not hearing from God. This shows how desperate he is, but it's also a mistake because God warns against seeking guidance from mediums in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Instead, we should seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting that He will lead us on the right path. By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of seeking answers from the wrong sources and cultivate a deeper trust in God's leading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul seek out a medium when he knew it was against God's laws?
Saul was desperate for guidance because the Lord was not answering him, as seen in 1 Samuel 28:6, and he turned to a medium as a last resort, despite knowing it was forbidden in Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
What is a medium in the context of the Bible?
A medium is someone who claims to communicate with spirits of the dead, which is strictly prohibited in the Bible, as stated in Leviticus 19:31 and Isaiah 8:19.
How did Saul's servants know about the medium at Endor?
It is likely that the servants were familiar with the local culture and practices, and they may have even known about the medium's reputation, which is why they were able to suggest her to Saul.
Is seeking guidance from mediums or psychics a sin?
Yes, seeking guidance from mediums or psychics is considered a sin in the Bible, as it goes against God's command to seek Him alone for guidance, as stated in Jeremiah 10:2 and 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be seeking guidance from sources other than God, and how can I turn to Him instead?
- How can I, like Saul, be tempted to seek quick fixes or easy answers, and what are the dangers of doing so?
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of God's guidance, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in His leading?
- In what ways can I prioritize seeking God's guidance in my life, even when the answers are not immediate or easy?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:7
Then said Saul unto his servants,.... That waited upon him, to some of them, to such as he could place most confidence in to keep a secret; perhaps only the two after mentioned: seek me a woman that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:7
Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
Seek me a woman, rather than a man; for he thought that sex most likely to be given to those wicked arts, as being the weaker sex, and so aptest to be deceived, and most prone to superstition, and ofttimes most malicious and revengeful. That hath a familiar spirit; one that converseth with the devil, and dead men’ s ghosts, and by them can discover future things. See . His servants said to him; instead of dissuading him from this wicked and destructive practice, which they should and would have done, if they had either loved God or their king, they further him in it. En-dor; a place in the tribe of Manasseh, within Jordan, not very fir from the place where the armies were encamped.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
1 Samuel 28:7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.Ver. 7. Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit.] One Rufus I read of, who painted upon his shield, God on the one side, and the devil on the other, with this inscription, Si tu me nolis, iste rogitat, If thou refuse me, here is another that will be glad of me. Saul seemeth to be like-minded. “ Flectere cure nequeat superos, Acheronta movebit. ” - Virg. So Oedipus in Seneca, when he could not get an answer at the oracles, made use of necromancy. This great sin Saul added to all his former, and so became miserable by his own election. The like is recorded of Julian the apostate. Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit.] Heb., The dame of a familiar, such as could raise up the dead as they imagined. So Lucan saith that a woman of Thessally raised up a soldier lately dead, who declared unto Pompey the evil success of the Pharsalian battle. That the woman here mentioned was Abner’ s mother, may pass for a Jewish fable.
Josephus saith she was vilis operaria, a poor painstaker. Animi impii vox. - Piscat. Lib. 6.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
(7) Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit.—He was left alone to himself, and now the last spark of life, the religious zeal which he had once shown even to excess, then also vanished; or, rather. as must always be the case when it has thus swerved from the moral principle which alone can guide it, was turned into a wild and desperate superstition. The wizards and familiar spirits, whom in a fit of righteous indignation he had put out of the land, now became his only resource— Flectere si nequeo supcros, Acheronte movebo. STANLEY: Jewish Church, vol. ii., Lect. 21 Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.—One of these women, mistress or possessor of an ôb, or familiar spirit, who apparently was well known, dwelt at or was left at Endor. “East of Nain is a village of mud-huts, with hedges of prickly pear. This is En-dor, famous in connection with the tragic history of the death of Saul. The adventurous character of Saul’s night journey is very striking, when we consider that for the king to get to En-dor he had to pass the hostile camp, and would probably creep round the eastern shoulder of the hill hidden by the undulations of the ground.”—Conder: Tent Life in Palestine. The distance from the camp of Israel on Gilboa to En-dor was about ten miles further, owing perhaps to the circuit they would have to make round the camp of the Philistines. Jewish tradition speaks of the “two men” who accompanied Saul as Abner and Amasa, and further mentions that the witch of En-dor was the mother of the great Abner. If this be true, it would account for her having escaped the general pursuit after witches mentioned above in the early days of Saul.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
Verse 7. Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit] Literally, Seek me a woman, בעלת אוב baalath ob, the mistress of the Ob or Pythonic spirit - one who had a familiar spirit, whom she could invoke when she pleased, and receive answers from him relative to futurity. Strange that a man, who had banished all such from the land, as dangerous to the state, as impostors and deceivers, should now have recourse to them as the only persons in whom he could safely put his confidence in the time in which Jehovah had refused to help him! At En-dor.] This was a city in the valley of Jezreel, at the foot of Mount Gilboa, where the army of Saul had now encamped.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:7
7. that hath a familiar spirit] Lit. “possessor of an Ob.” See on 1 Samuel 28:3, and cp. Acts 16:16. Cp. Virg. Aen. VII. 312: “Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.”“If heaven bends not, I will stir hell beneath.”En-dor] = fountain of the dwelling, was on the northern slope of the Little Hermon (Neby Dûhy), where the village of Endôr still marks the site. It was famous as the scene of Sisera’s defeat and death (Psalms 83:10).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 28:7
Enquire - A different word from that in 1 Samuel 28:6, though nearly synonymous with it. It is more frequently applied to inquiry of a false god, as e. g. 2 Kings 1:2; Isaiah 8:19; Isaiah 19:3.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:7
7. Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit — He finds that God has utterly forsaken him, and with full purpose and that impulsive rashness which was ever his easily besetting sin, he rushes into still greater evil.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:7
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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 |
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Witchcraft - Public Enemy #1 - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Paul and Silas encountering a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. The preacher emphasizes that Satan often uses occu |
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Blocked and Guided by the Spirit by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being directed by the Holy Spirit in our lives. He encourages the audience to trust the Holy Spirit and wait for His guidan |
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Occultism: The House of Satan - Part 1 by Don Basham | In this sermon, the speaker describes a meeting where evidential material was presented and questions were answered about heaven. Many people believed and confessed their deeds, an |
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Span-13 Acts 16 - Paul the Apostle by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not just being a sermon, but living out the teachings of God. He highlights the struggles and obedience of apostolic figure |
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Apostolic Vision - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of the current times and the need for revival in the church. The speaker mentions a three-week trip where they were the focal |
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The Spirit of the Lord 1 of 2 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying the Spirit of God. He refers to a vision that was seen and the certainty that God had called them. The speaker high |