In the biblical narrative, the term "familiar spirits" refers to entities or spirits that are believed to assist or communicate with individuals, often through mediums or necromancers. The consultation of such spirits is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures, as it is seen as a form of divination and a departure from reliance on God. One of the most notable instances of consulting familiar spirits in the Bible involves King Saul, the first king of Israel.

Saul's Consultation with the Medium at Endor

The account of Saul consulting a familiar spirit is found in 1 Samuel 28. As Saul faced the impending threat of the Philistine army, he was gripped by fear and desperation. The prophet Samuel, who had been Saul's spiritual guide, had died, and Saul found himself without divine guidance. In his distress, Saul sought out a medium, despite having previously expelled such practitioners from the land in accordance with God's commandments.

1 Samuel 28:7-8 records Saul's actions: "Then Saul said to his servants, 'Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.' 'There is a medium at Endor,' his servants replied. So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman by night, and Saul said, 'Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.'"

Saul's decision to seek out the medium at Endor was a direct violation of God's law, as outlined in passages such as Leviticus 19:31 : "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." Despite knowing the prohibition, Saul's fear and lack of faith led him to this forbidden practice.

The Encounter with Samuel's Spirit

The medium at Endor, upon Saul's request, summoned the spirit of Samuel. The appearance of Samuel's spirit is a unique and debated event in biblical literature. 1 Samuel 28:12-14 describes the scene: "When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out in a loud voice and said to Saul, 'Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!' The king said to her, 'Do not be afraid. What do you see?' 'I see a god coming up out of the earth,' the woman answered. 'What does he look like?' asked Saul. 'An old man is coming up,' she replied, 'and he is wearing a robe.' So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence."

Samuel's spirit, speaking through the medium, delivered a message of judgment to Saul, foretelling the defeat of Israel and the death of Saul and his sons. This encounter underscores the gravity of Saul's disobedience and the consequences of turning away from God.

Theological Implications

Saul's consultation with a familiar spirit serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking guidance outside of God's revealed will. The Bible consistently warns against engaging with mediums and spiritists, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God alone for wisdom and direction. Saul's tragic end highlights the spiritual peril of abandoning God's commandments and the futility of seeking answers through forbidden means.

The narrative of Saul and the medium at Endor remains a powerful reminder of the need for faithfulness to God's Word and the rejection of practices that lead away from His truth.1 Samuel 28:3-25
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 10:13
So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it;
Nave's Topical Index

The Unclean Spirits.
... Those who consulted with familiar ... out of the dust," Isa.29:4. "And when they shall
say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

Witnessing in Power.
... these people who are consulting familiar spirits, first and ... the faith, giving heed
to seducing spirits, and doctrines ... Paul was another of those long-sighted men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/witnessing in power.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... as God deals with sinners, and with those who return ... Ge Benennom; [2705] and he
consulted enchanters, and dealt with wizards and familiar spirits, and with ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

Concerning Persecution
... (v) Make the Scripture familiar to you ... as a coat of mail, can tread upon those
persecutions which ... to Christ, and that blessed Head sends forth spirits into the ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Early English Interpreters of Spiritual Religion: John Everard ...
... a preacher, was teaching the views now quite familiar to us ... but to show Thee, all
intellectual spirits have no ... little book are quite similar to those which {262 ...
/.../chapter xiii early english interpreters.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... 546; doctrines taught by: of Samuel to Saul, [405]548 ... Crown, for those who strive,
[999]372; is not for ... 548; perhaps by information from other spirits, [1037]548 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... 4), that though prayer is the familiar intercourse of ... to prove that saints are
ministering spirits, to whom ... Those who transfer to others this office which is ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... contemplation"such as the war against Saul"they demand ... not succeed in taking possession
of those districts, although ... before it, and it was consulted as an ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What are spirit guides? Should Christians consult spirit guides? | GotQuestions.org

What is cultural translation? Is cultural translation needed to properly understand the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is a medium? | GotQuestions.org

Familiar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus