What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 28:8? So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes • Saul deliberately alters his appearance to hide his identity—an outward act that mirrors his inward drift from God (1 Samuel 15:24–26). • Similar acts of royal disguise in 1 Kings 22:30 and 2 Chronicles 18:29 end badly, underscoring that concealment cannot outwit divine sovereignty. • Scripture reminds us that “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13). Saul’s costume may fool people, but it cannot fool the Lord who earlier warned, “The LORD has sought a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). and he set out with two of his men • The king who once commanded thousands now slips away with only two companions, a vivid picture of shrinking influence caused by disobedience (1 Samuel 14:52; 1 Samuel 28:1–2). • The choice of a tiny entourage highlights secrecy; compare Judas arriving “with a crowd” (Mark 14:43) versus Saul leaving almost alone. The smaller the group, the easier to hide sin—and the easier to ignore godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14). They came to the woman at night • Darkness throughout Scripture often accompanies ungodly deeds (John 3:19–20; Job 24:15). Saul, once anointed to “banish darkness” from Israel’s enemies (1 Samuel 11:11), now walks in it. • Nighttime travel also shows desperation. God had refused him by dreams, Urim, and prophets (1 Samuel 28:6), so he seeks answers in forbidden places, echoing Isaiah 8:19: “Should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me.” • The request violates explicit commands: “Do not turn to spiritists or mediums” (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10–12). • Ironically, Saul himself had earlier expelled mediums from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), yet now asks the very practice he outlawed. This reveals the slippery slope of partial obedience—eventually, compromise circles back to ensnare the compromiser (Galatians 6:7–8). • His words expose a heart more interested in information than in repentance. True prophets called Israel to obedience; Saul seeks a shortcut. “Bring up for me the one I name.” • Saul’s demand points to Samuel, the prophet who had earlier declared, “Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king” (1 Samuel 15:26). Rather than submitting to that verdict, Saul tries to reopen the case through forbidden means. • This tactic fails. When Samuel appears, his message is unchanged: “Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me” (1 Samuel 28:19). God’s word stands; human manipulation cannot amend it (Numbers 23:19). • 1 Chronicles 10:13–14 later cites this very act—consulting a medium—as a primary reason for Saul’s downfall, proving that sinful shortcuts carry long-term consequences. summary Saul’s disguise, secret journey, nighttime visit, illicit request, and final demand trace a steady progression away from God’s revealed will. Each step illustrates the futility of hiding from the Lord, the danger of seeking forbidden counsel, and the unchangeable certainty of God’s earlier word. Obedience preserves; disobedience isolates. Saul’s tragic choice warns believers to seek the Lord while He may be found and to trust that His guidance, though sometimes silent, is always sufficient. |
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