What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 28:14? What does he look like? Saul’s question exposes both fear and hope. God has stopped answering him by prophets or dreams (1 Samuel 28:6), yet he still craves guidance. • By asking for a description, Saul wants confirmation, not theatrics. • Scripture never glamorizes the occult; instead, it records Saul’s sin plainly (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14). • The literal narrative underscores that even in forbidden circumstances, God remains sovereign over who speaks and what is revealed (Job 42:2). An old man is coming up The medium reports what she sees: “An old man is coming up.” • Samuel had died and was buried at Ramah (1 Samuel 25:1). His advanced age at death matches the seer’s description, giving Saul the first clue. • The text says Samuel “came up,” language consistent with the belief that the departed were in Sheol, descending at death and ascending when appearing (Genesis 37:35; Isaiah 14:9). • God alone enables this moment; the medium is terrified (1 Samuel 28:12), indicating she is not in control. And he is wearing a robe “Robe” recalls Samuel’s distinctive mantle. • Earlier, when Saul disobeyed, he grabbed Samuel’s robe and tore it; Samuel declared, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today” (1 Samuel 15:27-28). • A robe symbolized prophetic authority (1 Samuel 2:19; 2 Kings 2:13-14). • This visual detail authenticates the visitor and reminds Saul of past rejection—an unmistakable, God-ordained sign. So Saul knew that it was Samuel Recognition dawns: description aligns with memory. • Saul’s certainty is rational—age plus robe equals Samuel. • The text treats the apparition as genuinely Samuel, not a demon in disguise (the narrative names him “Samuel” five times, vv. 12-16). • God can override forbidden channels to deliver His verdict (Numbers 22:28; Matthew 17:3). And he bowed facedown in reverence Saul’s posture shows desperation more than worship. • Bowing was customary before prophets and kings (Genesis 17:3; 2 Samuel 14:4), yet here it rings hollow; Saul had long ceased true obedience (1 Samuel 15:24-26). • Ironically, the king prostrates himself before the very prophet who once anointed him—and announced his downfall. • This act fulfills Samuel’s earlier word: without wholehearted obedience, ritual gestures mean little (1 Samuel 15:22). summary Each phrase in 1 Samuel 28:14 builds a vivid, literal scene: the medium sees an aged figure in a prophet’s robe; Saul recognizes Samuel and falls facedown. God allows the deceased prophet to appear, not to endorse occult practice, but to confirm Saul’s judgment and His own unchanging word. The passage underscores that God’s revelation is final, His commands unalterable, and any attempt to seek guidance outside His will ends in despair. |
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