1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
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106 Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 2007 EditionSaul's attempt to secure divine guidance from a medium 28:3-25The story involving Saul's meeting with the "witch" <strong>of</strong> En-dor is one <strong>of</strong> the best known in1 <strong>Samuel</strong>. It contains some unique events that have troubled Bible students for manyyears. Again the spotlight <strong>of</strong> revelation turns back to Saul from David. We see here thespiritual insensibility <strong>of</strong> Saul due to his departure from God."This visit to the medium <strong>of</strong> Endor is cited by the Chronicler as pro<strong>of</strong>positive that Saul deserved the judgment that fell on him at Gilboa (1 Ch.10:13)." 296The threat <strong>of</strong> Philistine attack 28:3-7<strong>Samuel</strong>'s death and the mention <strong>of</strong> Saul's commendable removal <strong>of</strong> mediums andspiritists prepare for what follows (cf. Lev. 19:3; Deut. 18:11). Mediums are people whocommunicate with the dead, and spiritists are those who communicate with evil spirits.The terms always go together in the Old Testament indicating the close relationship thatexists between these activities. The Mosaic Law prescribed death for mediums andspiritists because God promised to give His people all the information He wanted them tohave about the future from prophets (Deut. 18). It was unwise, even dangerous andtherefore forbidden, for them to seek more information from these other sources.Shunem stood on the south slope <strong>of</strong> the hill <strong>of</strong> Moreh that occupied part <strong>of</strong> the easternend <strong>of</strong> the Jezreel plain in Issachar's territory. Gilboa lay opposite it to the south and wasreally the name <strong>of</strong> a mountain. This was the same area where Gideon had routed theMidianites (Judg. 7)."The wording <strong>of</strong> this introduction (28:4f.) is notable, for it is stronglyreminiscent <strong>of</strong> two other fateful confrontations between Saul and thePhilistines, the first at Michmash/Gilgal (13:5f.), the second at Socoh/Elah(17:1f., 11)." 297Saul again feared the Philistines (v. 5). If this enemy succeeded, they would cut Israel inhalf geographically. God gave Saul no guidance in response to his prayers. Since Saulhad refused to listen to God in the past (chs. 13; 15), God now refused to listen to him (cf.v. 18). He gave the king no revelation about how to proceed. Normally when peoplerefuse to pay attention to the word <strong>of</strong> God, it becomes increasingly difficult for them tohear the word <strong>of</strong> God (cf. Jer. 7:13-16).Verse 6 says that God did not answer Saul by Urim. Abiathar, the priest, had taken theUrim and Thummim and joined David some time before this event (22:20;23:6-12). SoSaul did not have access to it now. Perhaps this verse means that even when Saul did296 Gordon, I & II <strong>Samuel</strong> . . ., p. 192.297 Gunn, The Fate . . ., p. 108.