1Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.”
2David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”
3Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.
4The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.
5When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.
6He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
7Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied.
8So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.”
9But the woman replied, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has killed the mediums and spiritists in the land. Why have you set a trap to get me killed?”
10Then Saul swore to her by the LORD: “As surely as the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this.”
11“Whom shall I bring up for you?” the woman asked. “Bring up Samuel,” he replied.
12But when the woman saw Samuel, she cried out in a loud voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!”
13“Do not be afraid,” the king replied. “What do you see?” “I see a god coming up out of the earth,” the woman answered.
14“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.
15Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”
16“Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy?
17He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.
18Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today.
19Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”
20Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground, terrified by the words of Samuel. And his strength was gone, because he had not eaten anything all that day and night.
21When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was, she said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. I took my life in my hands and did as you told me.
22Now please listen to your servant and let me set a morsel of bread before you so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.”
23Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed.
24The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.
25She served it to Saul and his servants, and they ate. And that night they got up and left.
1 Samuel 28 Section and Chapter Commentary
1 Sam 28:3-25
Biblical Narrative's Stance on Ghosts
The Bible, as a collected text, generally exhibits a cautious or even suspicious attitude towards ghost stories and the active involvement of deceased spirits on Earth. While some background beliefs in ancestral spirits might be inferred from certain stories, the biblical writers and editors largely avoided championing such views, contrasting with the prevalence of ghost lore in other ancient cultures like Greece and Rome.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 22: Ghosts and Ghost Stories in Ancient Mediterranean Cultures · watch the clip
The Witch of Endor and Necromancy
The story of the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel, where the spirit of Samuel is summoned, stands out as a rare instance of a ghost story in the Hebrew Bible. This narrative suggests a concern among ancient Jewish leaders that some people might be interested in consulting mediums or witches to communicate with the deceased, a practice common in contemporary Mesopotamian cultures.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 22: Ghosts and Ghost Stories in Ancient Mediterranean Cultures · watch the clip
The Witch of Endor and Samuel's appearance
Despite laws against necromancy, King Saul consults a medium, often called the Witch of Endor, to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. Samuel appears fully clothed and speaks with Saul, delivering a prophecy of Saul's impending death. This unique account suggests that the dead possess knowledge of the future.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · The Bible Was Written in a Haunted World · watch the clip
The Witch of Endor and Samuel's Ghost
The Hebrew Bible contains a notable story about ghosts involving King Saul and the Witch of Endor. Despite Saul having outlawed mediums, he consults one to summon the deceased prophet Samuel's ghost for wartime advice. This narrative is unique because it portrays a successful act of necromancy and a 'good' ghost, contrasting with other biblical texts that typically condemn such practices.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Demons, Ghosts, and Satan; What the Bible says about things that go bump in the night. · watch the clip
Ambiguity of Ghosts in Biblical Narratives
Ghosts in biblical texts, though less frequently mentioned than demons, exhibit an ambiguous or neutral presence. The story of Samuel's ghost, for instance, shows a spirit that, despite being summoned through a forbidden act, offers helpful advice. This ambiguity is also reflected in the Greek term for ghost, which is simply 'spirit,' encompassing entities that could be either helpful or harmful.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Demons, Ghosts, and Satan; What the Bible says about things that go bump in the night. · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:3-7
Saul's Failed Divination and Turn to a Medium
Facing the Philistine army, Saul is terrified and seeks guidance from the Lord. However, God does not answer him through conventional means like dreams, Urim, or prophets, indicating divine displeasure. In his desperation, Saul instructs his servants to find a medium so he can inquire of her, despite having previously expelled mediums and wizards from the land.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:7-19
Sentient dead and communication with the living
In 1 Samuel 28, Saul requests a medium to raise Samuel's ghost, who emerges from the earth. This passage reveals that the dead were considered sentient, capable of communication, and possessed knowledge of future events, similar to how Enkidu communicates his underworld experience to Gilgamesh.
Summarized by AI · Before the Bible: Mesopotamia and the Myths that Shaped Scripture · Lecture 2: From Gilgamesh to Genesis · watch the clip
Condemnation of magic often implies its effectiveness
Biblical condemnations of magic and divination, such as the story of the Witch of Endor summoning Samuel (1 Samuel 28), often imply that these practices are effective, rather than mere fakery. The prohibition stems from the belief that engaging with such powers, even if real, is religiously deviant and potentially harmful, as it involves interacting with entities or forces outside of proper divine channels.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 19: Demons and Magic in the Bible (I) · watch the clip
Samuel's Appearance to Saul
The account of Samuel appearing to Saul through the Witch of Endor depicts Samuel's physical body rising from the grave, not his soul existing separately. This suggests a re-animation of the deceased body for a specific purpose, rather than an ongoing existence of the soul in an underworld.
Summarized by AI · What the Hell? Jesus' Teachings on the Afterlife · Lecture 2: Who Invented Hell? · watch the clip
Witchcraft and Magic in the Bible
The story of Saul consulting the Witch of Endor to raise Samuel's spirit suggests that, within the biblical worldview, witchcraft and magic are real and effective. The Bible prohibits such practices not because they are ineffective, but because they offer an alternative means of seeking answers, diverting people from God.
Summarized by AI · The Hebrew Bible: Exploring the Literature of Ancient Israel · Lecture 13: The David Story · watch the clip
Ancient Israelite afterlife concept: Sheol
Ancient Israelites believed in an afterlife, but it was not characterized by heaven, hell, or postmortem rewards and punishments. Instead, all who died went to Sheol, a dark and gloomy underworld, regardless of their earthly deeds. The emphasis was on the quality of one's death, dying peacefully in old age was valued, rather than the destination itself, as everyone shared the same fate in Sheol.
Summarized by AI · The Ten Commandments · Lecture 8: The Rest of the Commandments · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:11-19
Necromancy in the Ancient Near East
Evidence from the early first millennium BCE in Mesopotamia shows the practice of necromancy, involving the invocation of deceased spirits, often with a divine assistant and a human medium. These rituals sometimes included offerings to the dead and even attempts to reanimate corpses. The story of Saul and the medium of Endor shares parallels with these traditions, such as a ghost attesting to proper succession, suggesting a cultural context of increasing interest in necromancy during this period.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:15-25
Futility of Necromancy and Saul's Weakness
Despite the successful summoning of Samuel's ghost, the act of necromancy proves futile for Saul, as he receives no new information beyond what Samuel had already prophesied. The story emphasizes Saul's weakness and desperation, portraying his religious misstep as a consequence of his inability to appropriately consult with Yahweh. The subsequent meal with the medium, reminiscent of offerings to the dead, further underscores Saul's doomed state.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:15-19
Samuel's Prophecy and Critique of Saul
Samuel's ghost expresses displeasure at being disturbed and reiterates the prophecy he had given Saul previously: God has turned away from him, his kingdom will be torn from him and given to David, and Israel will be defeated by the Philistines. This serves as a critical prediction, not just foretelling the future but condemning Saul's disobedience to Yahweh.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
1 Samuel 28 Verse Notes
1 Sam 28:3
Saul's Desperation and Samuel's Death
King Saul, facing a difficult challenge from the Philistines, becomes desperate for advice from his prophetic guide, Samuel. However, Samuel has died, leaving Saul without his key source of wisdom and connection to Yahweh. This desperation leads Saul to seek out a medium to summon Samuel's spirit.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
Saul and the Witch of Endor
King Saul's consultation with the 'witch of Endor' to raise Samuel's ghost is presented as a forbidden act, despite its effectiveness. The text indicates Saul resorted to this because God was no longer communicating with him. This incident highlights that divination and sorcery were considered functional but unauthorized means of seeking divine knowledge, reinforcing the idea that the issue was one of proper channels rather than efficacy.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Why Were the Hebrew Prophets So Weird? · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:6
God's Abandonment of Saul
The narrative of 1 Samuel 28 highlights God's absence from Saul, reinforcing that God is displeased with him and has withdrawn divine favor. This is evident in the failure of all normal forms of divination to provide Saul with answers, setting the stage for his desperate and illicit turn to the medium of Endor. God had already informed Saul through Samuel that his kingship would be taken from him and given to David.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:7
Endor's Foreign Association and Rhetorical Function
Endor is historically associated with Canaanite, non-Israelite inhabitants, a detail significant within the Deuteronomistic history. The biblical narrative often attributes improper religious practices to foreign influences. By having Saul consult a medium in Endor, the story rhetorically links his wrongdoing to foreign actors, reinforcing the idea that his downfall is due to being swayed by non-Israelite religious authorities and practices.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
Deuteronomistic History's Explanation of Israel's Misfortune
The Deuteronomistic History (Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings) explains Israel's national misfortunes, such as its division, defeat, and exile, not as Yahweh's weakness, but as divine anger due to Israel's flirtation with foreign deities and non-centralized worship. The story of Saul and the medium of Endor serves this agenda by portraying Saul, the first king, engaging in illicit religious practices, thereby explaining why his family lost the kingship and David succeeded him.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:8-10
Literary Irony in Saul's Encounter
The encounter between Saul and the medium of Endor is filled with literary irony. Saul, who had previously banned mediums, now seeks one out in disguise. The medium, fearing punishment from Saul, fails to recognize him, despite her supposed divine insight. Furthermore, Saul swears by the Lord, even though God has abandoned him, highlighting his desperate and misguided actions.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:13-14
Samuel's Appearance and Identification by Robe
When Samuel's spirit appears, the medium describes seeing a 'divine being' (Elohim) and an old man wrapped in a robe. Saul recognizes Samuel by this robe, which is a significant garment referenced earlier in 1 Samuel. This detail aligns with ancient Mediterranean ghost stories where deceased spirits are often identified by the clothing they wore in life, confirming the identity of the summoned spirit.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 24: The Ghost of Samuel and the “Witch” of Endor · watch the clip
1 Sam 28:13
Teraphim as 'Elohim' or ancestral spirits
The Hebrew Bible sometimes equates teraphim with 'Elohim' (gods), as seen in Genesis 31:30 and Judges 18:24. This connection is significant because 'Elohim' can also refer to divine beings or even ancestral spirits, as potentially implied in 1 Samuel 28:13 when the witch of Endor sees 'Elohim' coming up from the ground, interpreted by some as Samuel's ghost. This suggests teraphim might represent ancestral spirits used for divination.
Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 23: Ghosts, Sheol, and "Teraphim" in the Hebrew Bible · watch the clip
