How does 1 Samuel 28:15 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? The Setting Behind 1 Samuel 28:15 • Israel’s first king—once humble, now hardened—has repeatedly ignored God’s commands (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:22-23). • God’s Spirit has literally departed from Saul (1 Samuel 16:14). • In desperation he violates his own ban on mediums (1 Samuel 28:3) and seeks out the witch of Endor. The Key Verse “Then Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ ‘I am in serious trouble,’ replied Saul. ‘The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.’ ” (1 Samuel 28:15) What Disobedience Cost Saul—Four Immediate Losses 1. Loss of God’s Presence • “God has departed from me.” • Sin erects a literal barrier between the sinner and God (Isaiah 59:2; Psalm 66:18). 2. Loss of Divine Guidance • “He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams.” • Compare Proverbs 28:9—when God’s law is ignored, prayer becomes an abomination. 3. Loss of Moral Boundaries • Consulting a medium directly violated Deuteronomy 18:10-12. • Disobedience often drives people toward even deeper rebellion. 4. Loss of Courage and Hope • Saul faces the Philistines in paralyzing fear (1 Samuel 28:5). • Without the Lord, “terror will chase you” (Leviticus 26:36). Long-Term Consequences Confirmed in Scripture • 1 Samuel 28:19—Samuel foretells Saul’s defeat and death. • 1 Chronicles 10:13-14—Saul dies “for his unfaithfulness, for he had not kept the word of the LORD and had consulted a medium.” • Romans 6:23—“the wages of sin is death,” fully illustrated in Saul’s demise. Lessons for Us Today • Obedience keeps the lines of communication open (John 14:21). • When God speaks, respond immediately; delayed obedience is disobedience (James 1:22-25). • Counterfeit spiritual avenues promise guidance but end in ruin (Galatians 5:19-21). • Restoration is still possible—David’s repentance in Psalm 51 contrasts Saul’s unrepentant heart. A Call to Faithful Obedience Saul’s tragic confession—“God has departed from me”—stands as a solemn warning. Persistent disobedience silences heaven’s voice, pushes us toward substitutes, and strips away peace. Choosing daily obedience preserves fellowship, guidance, and hope in the living God. |
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