What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 28:22? Now please listen to your servant • Saul, shaken by the words of Samuel, hears a simple request from the medium at Endor. • Her appeal to “listen” mirrors Abigail’s plea to David—“Please listen to the words of your servant” (1 Samuel 25:24)—showing how God often speaks through unlikely channels to bring about His purposes. • Saul’s kingship began with obedience (1 Samuel 10:1, 7); here, his obedience is reduced to hearing a servant, underscoring the tragedy of his spiritual decline (cf. Proverbs 1:24–25). and let me set a morsel of bread before you • The woman moves from words to tangible care, much like Elijah’s provision for the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:9–15. • In Scripture, bread regularly signifies God’s sustaining hand (Exodus 16:4; John 6:35). Even in Saul’s darkest hour, physical provision testifies to the Creator’s ongoing mercy. so you may eat • Eating restores strength but also signals fellowship. Though Saul sought forbidden counsel (Deuteronomy 18:10–12), the act of sharing food echoes God’s constant invitation to return (Isaiah 55:1–2). • Contrast: David refused to eat while his child was dying (2 Samuel 12:16–17), showing that refusing bread can mark grief or repentance; here, Saul’s reluctance (v. 23) highlights despair rather than humble surrender. and have the strength • Physical stamina is tied to spiritual readiness. Jonathan earlier warned, “My father has made trouble for the land… if only the troops had eaten today” (1 Samuel 14:29–30). • Scripture teaches that neglecting God-given means of refreshment weakens resolve (1 Kings 19:7–8; Mark 6:31). Saul must regain strength, yet his spiritual weakness remains unaddressed. to go on your way. • Saul’s “way” leads inexorably toward battle and death (1 Samuel 31:1–6). The phrase recalls God’s repeated charge to walk “in all His ways” (Deuteronomy 10:12), a path Saul abandoned. • Like Judas leaving the upper room (John 13:30), Saul departs into the night, strengthened in body yet distant from the Lord in heart. summary Each phrase in 1 Samuel 28:22 layers compassion over tragedy. The servant woman offers bread, mirroring God’s persistent grace, while Saul’s acceptance supplies only temporary vigor for a doomed course. The verse highlights two truths: God’s care remains available even to the wayward, and physical provision cannot replace the spiritual obedience that leads to life. |
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