Where Do We Turn When Our Life Depends on It? (1 Samuel 28 - 31; 1 Chronicles 10)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Where do you turn when everything is on the line?

This was a question King Saul faced near the end of his life. After rejecting God’s anointing through his selfish actions, Saul is in trouble. The prophet Samuel has died, and the Philistines are closing in. Recognizing God isn’t with him, Saul resorts to drastic measures. After banishing all the mediums and spiritists from the land, in Verse 7, “Saul then said to his servants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.’”

A spiritist, or necromancer as some translations say, practiced a form of magic or sorcery that involved communicating with the dead. Despite knowing this is wrong, Verse 8 says, “Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes and 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 tell you.’”

Because Endor was located “4.5 miles northeast of Shunem, where the Philistines were encamped,”^[1] Saul must sneak past this opposing army to do this evil deed. So what is going on here? Robert Bergen offers these thoughts:

While this matter is not likely to be settled to everyone’s satisfaction, the following observations can be made. First, the plain statement of the Hebrew text is that she did in fact see Samuel. Second, the medium reacted to Samuel’s appearance as though it was a genuine—and terrifying—experience: she “cried out at the top of her voice.” Her strong reaction also suggests that Samuel’s appearance was unexpected; perhaps this was the first time she had ever actually succeeded in contacting the dead. Third, the speeches attributed to Samuel contained allusions to a prior interchange between the two, allusions that would have been appropriate only for the real Samuel to have made. Fourth, Samuel’s role and message as a prophet, so much a part of his ministry in life, was unchanged in his encounter with Saul here.^[2]

However, others like David Toshio Tsumura believe, “this story does not support a view that God sometimes uses even the pagan religious practice for his own purpose. Rather, something very unusual even from the perspective of the female necromancer occurred through God’s power. The situation, rather than the practice of necromancy, was used for God’s purpose to declare his judgment on Saul.”^[3]

In a blatant act of hypocrisy, Saul violated God’s Law and rejected his sovereignty—thus inflicting the consequences of Leviticus 20:6, where God said, “Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists and prostitutes himself with them, I will turn against that person and cut him off from his people.” In Verse 19, Samuel tells Saul, “The Lord will also hand Israel over to the Philistines along with you. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me, and the Lord will hand Israel’s army over to the Philistines.” And that is precisely what happens, leaving the author of 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 to remark, ¹³ “Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the Lord because he did not keep the Lord’s word. He even consulted a medium for guidance, ¹⁴ but he did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”

While we might never face such dire straights as Saul, the primary legacy of our lives will be most defined by where we turned in times of trouble. In our moments of greatest fear, did we turn to God or seek help apart from him?

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, your wisdom and might are unparalleled, stretching from the depths of the earth to the expanse of the heavens. You have guided your people throughout the ages, offering light in the darkness and clarity amidst confusion.

Release | I confess that, like Saul, I have sometimes sought answers and comfort outside of your guidance. In my impatience and fear, I have turned away from your teachings and looked to the world for direction. Forgive me for not trusting in your timing and your will.

Ask | Now, as I face my own battles and uncertainties, I ask you for wisdom and strength. Guide me through the challenges ahead, and help me to discern your voice among the many that clamor for attention. Give me the courage to follow your path, even when it leads through valleys of shadow.

Yield | I yield to your will, knowing that your plans are greater than mine. Teach me to wait on you with a faithful heart, to listen for your guidance in the silence, and to find peace in the assurance of your love and sovereignty. May my life reflect your grace as I walk according to your ways.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ  

The dramatic rise and fall of King Saul illustrates just how strong humans can be when they operate in God’s strength and how powerless they are without him. It also highlights humanity’s lack of judgment. The Israelites thought that having a human king would solve most of their problems and make them a credible nation. But just as God warned, this was not to be the case. The weight of power was too great for one human to carry, and every Israelite king would have moments—if not lifetimes—when they would act in rebellion toward God. However, as V. Philips Long notes,

By contrast, in the New Testament, we encounter another King who was put to death by God, Jesus the Messiah. (Acts 2:23; 4:27–28; Rom 8:32). But this King was not put to death for his own sin. Rather, he died because of the sins of his people, those united to him by faith (Rom. 4:24–25). When King Saul died, he forfeited the kingdom and his heirs perished with him. When King Jesus died, his heirs received the power of eternal life and rights to the eternal kingdom of God.^[4]

It's tempting to look to political heroes to save the day today. This is our default. But this is a role only one individual was ever meant to play. When we trust Jesus, we put our hope in a king who will never disappoint. And he is the one we can turn to in our darkest hours,

^[1]David Toshio Tsumura, The First Book of Samuel, New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Accordance electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007), 621-622.

^[2]Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, ed. E. Ray Clendenen and Kenneth A. Mathews, vol. 7 of The New American Commentary. Accordance electronic ed. (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 266-267.

^[3]David Toshio Tsumura, The First Book of Samuel, New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Accordance electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007), 617.

^[4]Bryan Chapell, eds. Gospel Transformation Study Bible Notes. Accordance electronic ed. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), paragraph 1759.