If necromancy is condemned (Deut. 18:9–12), how can 1 Samuel 28:7–25 portray Saul successfully consulting a medium?

Necromancy in the Old Testament Context

Necromancy, the act of consulting or communicating with the dead, is explicitly condemned in Deuteronomy 18:9–12. The text states:

“(9) When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the abominations of those nations. (10) Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, (11) casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. (12) For whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.”

Multiple dimensions of idolatry and paganism emerge in these verses: divination, conjury, sorcery, interpreting omens, and notably, consulting with the dead. Such practices run contrary to reliance upon God’s revealed word and guidance. In prohibiting necromancy, Scripture draws clear lines around worship and reliance upon the living God alone.

Background on Saul and His Ban of Mediums

Earlier in 1 Samuel, Saul himself had sought to remove mediums and spiritists from the land, obeying in part what was demanded in Deuteronomy 18. First Samuel 28:3 makes note of this:

“Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land.”

In doing so, Saul’s initial actions aligned with divine directives. Yet it is precisely this contrast—his prior obedience and subsequent desperate disobedience—that forms the stark backdrop for his later decision to seek out a medium himself (1 Samuel 28:7–25).

Saul’s Desperation and the Medium of Endor

When faced with the looming Philistine threat and having lost the guidance of Samuel (who had died) and, more importantly, the favor of the Lord, Saul resorts to forbidden practices out of desperation. The text in 1 Samuel 28:7 reads:

“Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’”

Although necromancy is condemned, the narrative portrays Saul searching for spiritual insight in a way the Law had explicitly forbidden. His actions are not presented as righteous or endorsed by God. Rather, they underscore Saul’s moral and spiritual decline, culminating in his kingly downfall.

Why Does 1 Samuel 28 Portray Apparent Success?

1 Samuel 28:12–14 indicates the medium apparently sees Samuel: “When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’” (v. 12). The passage continues describing some form of interaction in which the medium relates the appearance of an elderly, robed figure, presumed in the text to be Samuel.

Several interpretations have surfaced across historical and theological discussions:

1. God’s Unique Intervention

A historically popular view—reflected in many conservative commentaries—concludes that God allowed Samuel to actually appear, overruling the usual demonic attempts at deception through mediums. This one-time intervention fits the text’s emphasis on the woman’s shock (v. 12). Rather than highlighting her powers, the passage showcases that even forbidden practices are under God’s ultimate authority. Samuel’s message is consistent with divine judgment, rebuking Saul for his disobedience (1 Samuel 28:16–19).

2. A Demonic Impostor

Other interpreters propose that this was a deceptive spirit posing as Samuel. However, the text specifically names “Samuel” several times, and the message delivered matches the earlier prophecies Samuel had spoken in life (1 Samuel 15:28). If it were a demonic impostor, it would need to replicate both Samuel’s manner and the prophecy accurately. While possible, the plain reading of the narrative strongly inclines toward genuine identity, further supported by the text saying “Samuel said…” as opposed to “the spirit claimed to be Samuel.”

3. Psychological or Subjective Vision

A minority view is that the medium or Saul only “believed” they saw Samuel. Yet, again, this fails to align well with the strong language in the biblical text, which depicts an actual, even if shocking, appearance.

In all predominant interpretations, God’s Word does not suggest endorsement of necromancy. Saul’s contact with the deceased prophet happens as a unique, dire event orchestrated or permitted by God for the purpose of delivering His final judgment against Saul.

The Principle of Judgment in 1 Samuel 28

Saul’s consulting of the medium at Endor is a demonstration of how far Saul has strayed from dependence on the Lord. In 1 Samuel 28:17–18, the voice of Samuel pronounces the same condemnation previously announced during Samuel’s life:

“The LORD has done exactly as He foretold through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David. Because you did not obey the LORD…”

This consistency bases the entire event in the realm of divine judgment. Far from an indication that God sanctions necromancy, the passage underscores that Saul’s sin has truly come to fruition: he has violated not only earlier commandments but also his own original stance against mediums.

No Scriptural License for Necromancy

The contrast in 1 Samuel 28 serves as a caution. The biblical narrative indicates that even an event that seems like “successful” communication beyond the grave is never endorsed. Instead, it fulfills prophetic judgment against Saul’s renewed rebellion and desperation. The medium herself is surprised when Samuel is revealed; this shock underscores that the power belongs to God, not to pagan rituals or conjuring.

Applications and Final Clarifications

• Descriptive vs. Prescriptive: 1 Samuel 28 describes a historical event, not a prescription for seeking guidance beyond the grave. In theological terms, narrative text can faithfully report what happened without commending the behavior.

• Divine Sovereignty: The passage reveals that God maintained control, even when a forbidden practice was attempted. Any depiction of Samuel speaking a message of judgment ultimately glorifies God’s truth rather than granting endorsement to the medium’s practice.

• God’s Unchanging Standard: Deuteronomy 18’s prohibition remains in effect throughout the narrative. Saul’s act only highlights his violation of the law.

• Consistent Scriptural Witness: From Genesis onward, reliance on occult practices is confronted and condemned (e.g., Leviticus 19:31; Isaiah 8:19). The events of 1 Samuel 28 align with this broader canon of warnings and the principle that those who seek illicit spiritual avenues face divine judgment.

Conclusion

Although Deuteronomy 18:9–12 condemns necromancy, 1 Samuel 28:7–25 does not endorse it. Instead, the narrative dramatically shows Saul’s spiritual rebellion and downfall. The medium’s initial shock and the ultimate message of judgment confirm that God alone has authority over life and death, and that the genuine message of condemnation comes from the same God who warned against such practices in the first place.

Far from endorsing any occult practice, 1 Samuel 28 stands as evidence of God’s sovereign rule and the inevitability of His judgment on disobedience. The medium’s involvement only serves as the final platform for Saul’s condemnation, not a justification or validation of an otherwise forbidden practice.