1 Samuel 28

Saul Talks to the Dead

1 While David was chilling in Philistine land, the Philistines gathered their army to fight Israel. Achish told David, “You and your boys riding with me in this war.”

2 David said, “Bet, you will see what I can do.” Achish replied, “I am making you my personal bodyguard for life.”

Saul Gets Scared

3 Samuel was dead. Israel had already mourned him and buried him in Ramah. Saul had also kicked out all the mediums and spirit-talkers from the land.

4 The Philistines posted up at Shunem, so Saul gathered Israel’s army at Gilboa.

5 When Saul saw the Philistine army deep like that, fear gripped his heart, man was shook.

6 He asked God for answers, through dreams, priests, and prophets, but God stayed silent.

Saul Crosses a Line

7 So Saul told his crew, “Find me a woman who talks to spirits. I need answers.” They said, “There is one in Endor.”

8 Saul disguised himself, took two men, and rolled up at night. He said, “I need you to call up a spirit, I will tell you who.”

9 The woman said, “You know what Saul did, he banned all the spirit talkers. You tryna set me up to get killed,”

10 Saul swore by the Lord, “You will not get in trouble for this.”

11 She asked, “Who you want me to call up?” He said, “Bring up Samuel.”

Samuel Shows Up

12 When she saw Samuel, she screamed, realizing it was Saul. “Why did you lie to me, You the king!”

13 Saul said, “Do not trip. What do you see?” She said, “I see a spirit coming up from the earth.”

14 He asked, “What he look like?” She said, “Old man, wearing a robe.” Saul knew it was Samuel, he bowed, face to the ground.

Samuel Speaks from Beyond

15 Samuel said, “Why are you bothering me, I am at rest.” Saul said, “I am in deep trouble. The Philistines coming strong. God’s ghosting me, no dreams, no prophets. So I came to you.”

16 Samuel said, “Why are you coming to me if God already left you and turned His back?”

17 “He is doing exactly what He said, taking the kingdom from you and giving it to David.”

18 “You did not obey the Lord, did not wipe out Amalek like He told you. So now He bringing judgment.”

19 “Tomorrow, you and your sons going to be with me. And Israel’s army, God is handing them to the Philistines.”

Saul Breaks Down

20 Saul fell out flat, terrified. He was weak too, had not eaten all day or night.

21 The woman came over and saw he was shook. She said, “I risked my life for you. Now listen to me.”

22 “Let me fix you some food, eat something so you got strength to move.”

23 He said no at first. But his men and the woman pressed him till he gave in.

24 She had a fattened calf at the house, killed it quick. She also baked bread without yeast.

25 She served the food to Saul and his men. After they ate, they got up and left into the night.