Saul's inquiry of the LORD is a significant event in the biblical narrative, highlighting the spiritual decline of Israel's first king and the consequences of disobedience to God. This event is primarily recorded in 1 Samuel 28, where Saul seeks guidance from the LORD but receives no answer, leading him to consult a medium at Endor.

Context and Background

Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1). Initially, Saul showed promise as a leader, but his reign was marred by a series of disobedient acts against God's commands. Notably, Saul's failure to completely destroy the Amalekites and his unlawful sacrifice at Gilgal (1 Samuel 13:8-14; 15:1-23) led to God's rejection of him as king. The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and he was tormented by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14).

The Inquiry

As the Philistines gathered to fight against Israel, Saul was filled with fear and sought guidance from the LORD. The Berean Standard Bible records, "When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently. He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets" (1 Samuel 28:5-6). This silence from God underscores the severed relationship between Saul and the LORD due to Saul's persistent disobedience.

Saul's Desperation and the Medium at Endor

In his desperation, Saul turned to a forbidden practice, seeking out a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), Saul disguised himself and visited the medium at Endor. The medium, initially hesitant, was persuaded by Saul's oath that she would not be punished (1 Samuel 28:9-10).

When the medium summoned Samuel, Saul expressed his distress, saying, "I am in great distress... God has turned away from me and no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams" (1 Samuel 28:15). Samuel's spirit rebuked Saul, reminding him of the LORD's judgment and foretelling the defeat of Israel and Saul's death (1 Samuel 28:16-19).

Theological Implications

Saul's inquiry of the LORD and subsequent actions reveal the gravity of disobedience and the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with God. Saul's failure to receive an answer from the LORD highlights the consequences of a hardened heart and the loss of divine guidance. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God's commands and seeking guidance through ungodly means.

Related Themes and Topics

· Divine Silence: The silence of God in response to Saul's inquiry is a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to maintain communion with God.
· Prophetic Authority: The role of prophets as God's messengers is underscored in this narrative, as Saul's rejection of Samuel's earlier warnings leads to his downfall.
· Spiritual Warfare: Saul's torment by an evil spirit and his resort to a medium illustrate the spiritual battles faced by those who stray from God's path.
· Judgment and Mercy: While Saul's account is one of judgment, it also serves as a reminder of God's mercy and the opportunity for repentance, which Saul tragically failed to seize.

Cross-References

· 1 Samuel 13:8-14: Saul's unlawful sacrifice and the beginning of his downfall.
· 1 Samuel 15:1-23: Saul's disobedience in the battle against the Amalekites.
· 1 Samuel 16:14: The departure of the Spirit of the LORD from Saul.
· Deuteronomy 18:10-12: The prohibition against consulting mediums and spiritists.

Saul's inquiry of the LORD is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking God with a sincere and obedient heart.