How does 1 Samuel 28:11 illustrate the dangers of seeking forbidden spiritual guidance? Context: Saul’s Desperation Saul faces the Philistine army, feels abandoned, and receives no answer from the LORD (1 Samuel 28:5-6). Instead of repenting, he turns to a medium—the very practice he had outlawed (1 Samuel 28:3). The Forbidden Request (1 Samuel 28:11) “Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he replied.” – Saul knowingly asks for necromancy. – The medium prepares to summon the dead, trespassing a line God had clearly drawn (Leviticus 19:31). Dangers Illustrated in This Single Verse – Rejection of God’s voice: When Saul stops listening to Scripture and prophets, he opens himself to counterfeit voices. – Direct disobedience: Deuteronomy 18:10-12 calls consulting the dead “detestable.” Saul violates explicit law. – Spiritual deception: The source behind forbidden practices is demonic (1 Colossians 10:20; 2 Corinthians 11:14). – Hardened conscience: Earlier compromises snowball into bolder rebellion (James 1:15). – Isolation from divine help: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 links Saul’s death to this very act. Ripple Effects in Saul’s Life—A Quick Trace – Fear replaces faith (1 Samuel 28:5). – Samuel’s message confirms impending judgment (1 Samuel 28:18-19). – Battle defeat and suicide follow (1 Samuel 31:4). – His dynasty ends, Israel suffers, and God’s name is dishonored. God’s Consistent Warnings Elsewhere – Leviticus 20:6: “I will set My face against the person who turns to mediums… and cut him off.” – Isaiah 8:19: “Should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” – Galatians 5:19-20 lists “witchcraft” among works of the flesh that bar inheriting the kingdom. – Acts 19:18-19 shows new believers burning occult scrolls as proof of repentance. Practical Takeaways for Today – Refuse shortcuts: God speaks through His written Word (2 Titus 3:16-17) and the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). – Discern every spiritual claim by Scripture (1 John 4:1). – Replace fear-driven curiosity with trust in God’s sufficiency (Psalm 23:1). – Break ties with any occult object, practice, or influence (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Summing Up 1 Samuel 28:11 captures the moment Saul crosses a forbidden line. By seeking guidance from the dead, he forfeits divine counsel, exposes himself to deception, and sets in motion his own downfall. Scripture’s clear message: seek the living God, never the forbidden realm of the dead. |
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