What alternative actions could Saul have taken instead of consulting a medium? The Crisis in View “Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’ ” (1 Samuel 28:7) Why This Was Never an Option • Leviticus 19:31—“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” • Deuteronomy 18:10-12—Those who practice divination are “detestable to the LORD.” • Isaiah 8:19—“Should not a people consult their God?” God’s Word had already ruled out séances. Saul still had multiple faithful paths open to him. Alternative 1: Humble Repentance • 1 Samuel 15:24-26 shows Saul’s earlier superficial confession; he needed a genuine one now. • Psalm 51:17—“A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14—If God’s people “humble themselves and pray … I will hear.” He could have fallen on his face, admitted his rebellion, and begged for mercy. God had answered penitent hearts before; He would again. Alternative 2: Seek God Through His Written Word • Deuteronomy 17:18-19 commanded Israel’s king to read the Law daily. Saul could open the scrolls he owned. • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Instead of chasing forbidden voices, he could have anchored himself in the clear voice already given. Alternative 3: Use the Priestly Urim and Thummim Properly • 1 Samuel 28:6 notes God had not answered “by Urim,” yet the high priest who carried the ephod (Abiathar) was with David (1 Samuel 23:9-12). Saul’s slaughter of the priests (1 Samuel 22) had cut him off. He could have repented and appealed to the surviving priest, submitting to God’s judgment expressed through the Urim. Alternative 4: Wait on the Lord With Fasting and Prayer • Psalm 27:14—“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” • Ezra 8:21—Fasting proclaimed at the river Ahava to seek God’s protection. Patience in God’s silence often precedes fresh guidance. Saul rushed; he could have rested. Alternative 5: Seek God-Honoring Counsel • Proverbs 1:5—“Let the wise listen and gain instruction.” • 1 Samuel 19:18—He once sought Samuel’s aid; prophets like Gad were still active (1 Samuel 22:5). Faithful advisers were available. Listening to God-fearing voices would have steered him away from the occult. Alternative 6: Reconcile With David, the Lord’s Anointed • 1 Samuel 24:16-22 shows Saul acknowledging David’s future kingship. • Romans 12:18—“If it is possible … live at peace with everyone.” Handing the kingdom to David, as God had decreed, could have ended his torment and preserved the nation. Alternative 7: Accept God’s Answer—even When It Feels Like Silence • 2 Samuel 12:20—David worshiped after hearing his child had died, accepting God’s verdict. Sometimes the Lord’s “silence” is an answer calling for surrender. Saul could have trusted God’s sovereignty rather than forcing a response. Takeaway Every door Saul needed was already open: repentance, Scripture, priestly guidance, godly counsel, patient waiting, reconciliation, and humble acceptance of God’s will. The tragedy of 1 Samuel 28 is that he ignored them all—and paid the price for seeking light in the darkness instead of turning back to the Light he already knew. |
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