How does 1 Samuel 28:3 highlight the importance of obeying God's commandments? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 28:3: “Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his hometown of Ramah. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.” Why This Verse Matters • Samuel’s passing cuts off the nation’s recognized prophet, intensifying Saul’s need to lean solely on the written Word and prior revelation. • Saul’s earlier purge of occult practitioners shows a moment of genuine alignment with God’s explicit commands (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12). • The verse foreshadows Saul’s tragic relapse in the very next scene, underscoring that obedience must be continuous, not occasional. The Command Behind Saul’s Action Deuteronomy 18:10-12 lays out God’s non-negotiable standard: • “Let no one be found among you who … consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. • For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD.” By removing mediums, Saul had once submitted to this clear directive. What 1 Samuel 28:3 Teaches About Obedience • God’s Word is absolute; temporary compliance does not excuse later compromise. • Leaders bear special responsibility to model obedience. Saul’s earlier action set a righteous precedent for the nation; his later failure magnified the fallout (1 Samuel 28:7-19). • Fidelity to God’s commandments protects us from spiritual deception. When Saul abandoned obedience, he opened himself to lies from the very realm God had forbidden. • Obedience brings clarity; disobedience breeds confusion. Saul’s earlier decisive action contrasts with the desperate panic that drove him to the medium at Endor. New-Testament Echoes • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Continuous obedience is still the measure of love for God. • Galatians 6:7 — “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” Saul’s later harvest of judgment flows directly from abandoning the command he once honored. Key Takeaways for Today • Partial or seasonal obedience is not enough; God expects perseverance. • Eliminating obvious sin is only the starting line; we must also resist the temptation to revisit what we once renounced. • Staying grounded in Scripture provides guidance when trusted voices are gone and emotions run high. • True obedience brings freedom and protection; disobedience invites bondage and regret. Living It Out • Regularly revisit God’s commands so they stay fresh in heart and mind. • When tempted to return to a sin you once forsook, remember Saul’s example and the consequences that followed. • Seek counsel from faithful believers and Scripture, not forbidden spiritual shortcuts. • Cultivate consistency: the same God who called for obedience yesterday calls for it today and tomorrow. |
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