What does Saul's fear reveal about his relationship with God in 1 Samuel 28:12? Setting the Scene • Israel faces the Philistine army (28:1–5). • “When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid; his heart trembled greatly” (1 Samuel 28:5). • God gives Saul no answer by dreams, Urim, or prophets (v. 6). • In desperation he disguises himself and seeks a medium at Endor, directly violating Deuteronomy 18:10-12. • Verse 12: “When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out in a loud voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’ ” What Saul’s Fear Reveals about His Relationship with God • Loss of Divine Fellowship – God’s silence (vv. 6–7) shows the Spirit had already departed (1 Samuel 16:14). – Fear fills the vacuum left when communion with God is broken (cf. Psalm 27:1). • Hardened Disobedience – Consulting a medium was explicitly forbidden; Saul had earlier driven them out (v. 3). – Choosing disobedience over repentance exposes a heart alienated from God (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Misplaced Fear – Instead of “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:7), Saul fears circumstances and people. – He even tells the woman, “Do not be afraid” (v. 13), while his own terror remains unchecked. • Desperation Without Faith – Genuine faith seeks God’s mercy; Saul seeks forbidden counsel. – Isaiah 8:19 warns that those without the light of God will “consult the dead on behalf of the living.” • Recognition of Judgment – The appearance of Samuel reminds Saul of past rejection (1 Samuel 15:26-28). – Fear signals his awareness that God’s judgment is underway and unavoidable. • Absence of Love – “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Saul’s abiding fear shows he no longer rests in God’s covenant love. Key Takeaways for Today • Ongoing disobedience silences God’s guidance and breeds fear. • The wrong kind of fear drives us away from God; the right kind (reverent awe) draws us back in repentance. • Substitutes for God’s voice—occult, human schemes, self-reliance—only deepen spiritual darkness. • A secure relationship with the Lord roots out crippling fear and restores clarity, courage, and peace. |
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