This week’s topic will focus on the life of David. We will look at a video presentation on this topic and continue our Bible study with the book of 1 Samuel, chapters 25-28.

Defending our faith and developing a Biblical worldview based on our understanding of God’s Word takes time and practice, and must be part of a lifetime commitment we make to the LORD. It should form our purpose and identity in everyday life as we grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, modeling Him to our family, friends and neighbors. As Christians, it is more important than ever to know what we believe, and why we believe it, and then apply that to who we are on a consistent basis, and this can only be done if we know Jesus and what His Word teaches.

All class sessions include a time for prayer and reflection, a presentation, and a Bible study section. You will find the presentation overview and Bible study questions below. Basic answers to the Bible study will be also be posted below for your review and, or as a leader’s guide.

THIS WEEK’S YOU TUBE CLASS PRESENTATION WILL BE UPCOMING

Watch the video on the Life of David, “Ear to Hear” Ministries:

Presentation

APOLOGETICS BLUEPRINT

Session Eight – Who is Jesus the Life of David and 1 Samuel chapters 25-28

REVIEW AND DISCUSS

At your table groups, do the following:

Prayer cards: Take a minute and write your name on the index card and add any special prayer request you might have. Exchange cards at the end of the class this evening.

Discuss:

What are some important take-aways from last week’s presentation on “Who is Jesus (according to other religions).”
Recite the memory verse from Genesis 3:15. Why it is an important foundational verse?

Genesis 3:15 Promise
(begins the Scarlet Thread)

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)

From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible is all about Jesus!

Bible Study

Each week, we are encouraging you to take some dedicated time and spend it in God’s Word. Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

REFLECT AND PRACTICE

1. Review and discuss this evening’s presentation. Do you have any questions or comments?

Bible Study Practice:

2. Read and discuss chapters 25-28 in the book of 1 Samuel.

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 25:

What happened to Samuel and how did the people of Israel respond?
Who was the man of Maon (how was his character described); who was Abigal (how was her character described); and what happened between them and David?
Going Deeper: Who were David’s wives by the end of this chapter? Why did kings often take multiple wives, and what does Scripture say about this (or does it)?

Chapter 26:

What happened when Saul again pursued David in the wilderness of Ziph with 3000 men, what did David do, and how do we see God’s hand in this event?
Research the following people and individuals in this narrative: Ziphites, Ahimelech, Joab, Abishai and Achish (next chapter)

Chapter 27:

What did David decide to do so that Saul would not pursue him again; what city was he given and how long did he stay there?
What did David do during this time; who did he deceive about what he was doing and why?

Chapter 28:

What did Achish want David to do, and how did David respond? (the story will continue in chapter 29)? Discuss why you think David would accept this offer of Achish against his own people.
Why did Saul go up to En-dor and what happened when he went there?
What did the apparent spirit of Samuel say to Saul, and how did he respond?
Going Deeper: Research what mediums and necromancers (spiritists) are; and how the Mosaic Law addresses this kind of practice. Discuss how we see this kind of activity still today, and as Christians, how we should respond when we are confronted with similar practices.

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean? (Chapters 25-28)

What is God showing the reader about who He is (His character)?
What is God trying to teach the audience from this narrative?
Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.).

APPLICATION: How can we use what we learned? (Chapters 25-28)

Are there things we can apply to our lives that we learn from people in this narrative (good or bad)?

Jot down and discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 25-28

BASIC ANSWERS FOR REVIEW AND LEADER’S GUIDE FOR 1 SAMUEL CHAPTERS 25-28

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 25:

The Death of Samuel

The chapter starts out with a very short mention of the “death of Samuel” and that all Israel gathered and mourned him. Samuel was buried in his house in Ramah.

David and Abigail

When David and his men went down to the wilderness of Paran, they came across a rich man in Maon whose name was Nabal. Nabal was wicked and when David sent his men to request help with food (which was customarily acceptable and would be expected), Nabal refused and rudely dismissed them as unimportant, even though he knew how David and his men had protected his own men and belongings during their time in that area. This enraged David who gathered his men together to go out and kill Nabal and all that belonged to him. When Abigail was informed of her husband Nabal foolishness, she immediately made a plan to go out and beg for mercy by bringing food and supplies to David and his men, that her husband should have provided. David recognized her wisdom and discernment, and quickly blessed her and allowed her to go on her way without further problem. When Abigail told her husband what had happened, he became sick and God struck him dead within 10 days. When David heard, he sent for Abigail and she became his wife.

What happened to Samuel and how did the people of Israel respond?

See summary notes above…

Who was the man of Maon (how was his character described); who was Abigal (how was her character described); and what happened between them and David?

Character descriptors:

Man of Maon: Nabal is described as harsh and badly behaved, worthless and not able to be spoken to. His wife called him a fool (full of folly), and he was a drunkard – he died/the LORD struck him, according to his own folly and regret (probably a stroke based on the description)
Abigail: Described as beautiful, discerning, humble, wise, and blessed; she took the guilt of her husband to David; told David she knew the LORD was with him and asked for forgiveness and the assurance of salvation (v.31) – she then became David’s wife when Nabal died
See summary notes above for what happened between them…

Going Deeper: Who were David’s wives by the end of this chapter? Why did kings often take multiple wives, and what does Scripture say about this (or does it)?

David’s wives at this point: Ahinoam, of Jezreel (mother of David’s oldest, Amnon); Abigail (mother of Chileab/Daniel); and he was still married to Michal (no children).
Kings often took on multiple wives for political purposes or alliances (see Solomon’s marriage history) although God never condoned polygamy and His Word only affirms monogamy. In every instance of polygamy/bigamy in Scripture, we see heartache, jealousy, turmoil and strife.

From gotquestions.org

“Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible?”

While the Bible nowhere explicitly condemns polygamy, God made His ideal for marriage clear throughout Scripture: one man with one woman. The first instance of polygamy/bigamy in the Bible is that of Lamech in Genesis 4:19: “Lamech married two women.” Several prominent men in the Old Testament were polygamists. Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others all had multiple wives. Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (essentially wives of a lower status), according to 1 Kings 11:3. What are we to make of these instances of polygamy in the Old Testament? There are three questions that need to be answered: 1) Why did God allow polygamy in the Old Testament? 2) How does God view polygamy today? 3) Why did it change?

1) Why did God allow polygamy in the Old Testament? The Bible does not specifically say why God allowed polygamy, and we must remember that allowance is not the same as approval. As we speculate about God’s permissive silence, there is at least one key factor to consider. In patriarchal societies, it was nearly impossible for an unmarried woman to provide for herself. Women were often uneducated and untrained. Women relied on their fathers, brothers, and husbands for provision and protection. Unmarried women were often subjected to prostitution and slavery.
So, God may have allowed polygamy to protect and provide for the women who otherwise may have been left destitute. A man would take multiple wives and serve as the provider and protector of all of them. While definitely not Ideal, living In a polygamist household was far better than the alternative of prostitution, slavery, or starvation. In addition to the protection/provision factor, polygamy enabled a much faster expansion of humanity, fulfilling God’s command to “be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth” (Genesis 9:7).

2) How does God view polygamy today? Even while recording cases of polygamy, the Bible presents monogamy as the plan that conforms most closely to God’s ideal for marriage. The Bible says that God’s original intention was for one man to be married to only one woman: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife [not wives], and they will become one flesh [not fleshes]” (Genesis 2:24). The consistent use of the singular in this verse should be noted. Later, in Deuteronomy 17:14–20, God says that the kings were not to multiply wives (or horses or gold). While this cannot be interpreted as a command that kings must be monogamous, it does indicate that having multiple wives causes problems. Such problems can be clearly seen in the life of Solomon (1 Kings 11:3–4).
In the New Testament, 1 Timothy 3:2, 12 and Titus 1:6 list being “the husband of one wife” as a qualification for spiritual leadership in the church. The phrase could literally be translated “a one-woman man.” However broadly or narrowly that qualification should be applied, in no sense can a polygamist be considered a “one-woman man.” Is the prohibition of polygamy only for elders and deacons, the “example-setters”? No, the standard of monogamy should apply to all Christians.
Ephesians 5:22–33 speaks of the relationship between husbands and wives. When referring to a husband (singular), the passage always also refers to a wife (singular). “For the husband is the head of the wife [singular]. . . . He who loves his wife [singular] loves himself. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife [singular], and the two will become one flesh. . . . Each one of you also must love his wife [singular] as he loves himself, and the wife [singular] must respect her husband [singular].” Further, if polygamy were allowable, the illustration of Christ’s relationship with His Body (the Church) falls apart (Ephesians 5:32). In Colossians 3:18–19, Paul refers to husbands and wives in the plural, but in that passage it is clear that he is addressing all the husbands and wives among the Colossian believers.

3) Why did it change? It is not so much that God disallowed something He had previously allowed as it is that God restored marriage to His original plan. As seen in Genesis 2, polygamy was not God’s original intent. God seems to have allowed polygamy to solve a problem, but that solution was not the ideal. In most modern societies, there is absolutely no need for polygamy. In most cultures today, women are able to provide for and protect themselves—removing the only “positive” aspect of polygamy. Further, most modern nations outlaw polygamy. According to Romans 13:1–7, we are to obey the laws the government establishes, including laws prohibiting polygamy.
Are there some Instances In Ih the allowance for polygamy would still apply today? Perhaps, but It Is unfathomable that there would be no other solution. Due to the “one flesh” aspect of marriage, the need for oneness and harmony in marriage, and the lack of any real need for polygamy, it is our firm belief that polygamy does not honor God and is not His design for marriage.

Chapter 26:

David Spares Saul Again

In this chapter we read that again, Saul goes out after David when the Ziphites told him where David was in the wilderness of Ziph. David, however, heard that Saul was after him again, and he sent out spies to see where Saul was. When David and Abishai went to their camp, the LORD had put them into a deep sleep, and although Abishai wanted to kill Saul for David, David forbid him, still honoring the fact that he was God’s anointed. David did take Saul’s spear and jar of water that was by his head and went up to a hill and called out to them, in particular, Abner. When Saul realized what happened, and David again asked why he wanted him dead, Saul confessed that he had sinned and blessed David, and David returned Saul’s sword and they parted ways (never to meet up again).

What happened when Saul again pursued David in the wilderness of Ziph with 3000 men, what did David do, and how do we see God’s hand in this event?

See summary notes above…

We see God’s hand in this event when he caused Saul, Abner and his men to fall into a deep sleep which allowed David to take the spear and water jar that was at Saul’s head.

Research the following people and individuals in this narrative: Ziphites, Ahimelech, Joab, Abishai and Achish (in the next chapter)

Ziphites: Ziph was about 5 miles southeast of Hebron near where the land starts going down toward the Dead Sea. Ziph was near to Maon, where Nabal (a Calebite) had lived (25:2). It is likely, therefore, that the inhabitants of Ziph were relatives of Nabal. Ziph was a territory of Judah.

Ahimelech: He was a Hitite – from compellingtruth.org: The Hittites, an ancient people descended from Heth, son of Canaan, ruled areas of Syria and eastern Turkey during biblical times. They are mentioned in various contexts in the Old Testament, including interactions with figures like Abraham and Esau. The Hittites were among the groups promised to be removed for the Israelites to inherit the Promised Land, and even during David’s time, Hittites like Ahimelech and Uriah served in his army, highlighting continued cultural interaction. Their story teaches us the importance of respecting and engaging with people from different backgrounds.

Joab and his brother Abishai: from gotquestions.org

Joab was a son of Zeruiah, King David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:13–17) and was therefore one of David’s nephews. Joab’s brothers were two of David’s brave warriors, Abishai and Asahel. Joab was positioned as commander of David’s armies because of his victory over the Jebusites, resulting in the possession of the city of Jerusalem. It was through this victory that Jerusalem became “the city of David” (1 Chronicles 11:4–9).
Joab fought and won many battles for the king, but his personal lack of self-control was problematic. In a war against the forces of Ish-Bosheth, Joab’s brother Asahel was killed by Abner, the commander of Ish-Bosheth’s armies. Joab was furious and pursued Abner to kill him, but Abner escaped (2 Samuel 3:12–32). Later, after Abner swore allegiance to David, Joab’s fuse blew, and his desire to avenge his brother’s blood drove him to deceive and murder Abner (verses 26–27). This action deeply grieved David, but the king felt unable to bring justice against the mighty Joab (verse 39). Instead, David pronounced a curse over Joab and his future descendants: “May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab’s family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food” (verse 29).
As the commander of David’s armies, Joab was provided many victories by God, but Joab caused much grief to the king and to Israel. His anger and perhaps the power of his position drove him to poor decisions at times. In addition to his murder of Abner, Joab killed his own cousin, Amasa—and his betrayal was Judas-style, accompanied by a kiss: “Joab said to Amasa, ‘How are you, my brother?’ Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died” (2 Samuel 20:9–10). Joab disobeyed King David’s command to spare Absalom’s life, himself striking Absalom with three javelins (2 Samuel 18). David mourned the death of his son Absalom, a response that was sternly reprimanded by Joab (2 Samuel 19:1–8). It was also Joab who, in accordance with David’s command, placed Uriah the Hittite at the front of the battle to be killed, so that David could feel justified in marrying Uriah’s widow (2 Samuel 11).
Joab, for all his faults, was obviously a capable man of war and valiant on the battlefield. And he ought to be given credit for his loyalty to David for almost four decades. Joab also counseled David when David sinfully desired to take a census; if David had heeded Joab’s advice, he could have spared his nation the plague that befell Israel (2 Samuel 24).
When David was on his death bed, Joab conspired with Adonijah to install Adonijah as the next king, instead of Solomon (1 Kings 1). This action, plus Joab’s other rash decisions, vengeful murders, and inability to take certain important orders, finally drove David over the edge. David commanded Solomon to ensure Joab’s execution, an act that was carried out by Benaniah as Joab was clinging to the horns of the altar in hopes of finding clemency (1 Kings 2:5–6, 28–34).

Abishai: was a biblical warrior and military leader under King David, known for his fierce loyalty, courage, and sometimes ruthless nature. He was the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, making him David’s nephew. As a member of David’s “mighty men”, he was involved in many key battles and events, such as saving David’s life from a Philistine giant, leading troops against the Ammonites, and accompanying David during his time fleeing Saul.

Achish: After the death of Samuel, David fled for his life with six hundred men and their households to Philistine territory. While there, Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, gave Ziklag to David at his request: “‘Then David said to Achish, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country towns, that I may live there. Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?’ So on that day Achish gave him Ziklag, and it has belonged to the kings of Judah ever since” (1 Samuel 27:5–6). Achish awarded Ziklag to David most likely to ensure David’s continued neutrality.

Chapter 27:

David Flees to the Philistines

After his encounter with Saul David took his 600 men and fled to the city of Gath, a Philistine territory, where he figured that Saul would not go, if he decided to pursue him again. Achish, who was the king of this territory. David found favor in Achish’s eyes, and he gave him Ziklag and David stayed there for a year and four months. David and his men would go out and raid “Canaanite territories” but he would tell Achish that he raided places of Judah and their territories. David and his men left no one alive so that the truth could not be told to Achish or the Philistines, and Achish trusted David.

What did David decide to do so that Saul would not pursue him again; what city was he given and how long did he stay there?

See summary notes above…

What did David do during this time; who did he deceive about what he was doing and why?

See summary notes above…

Chapter 28:

Saul and the Medium of En-dor

In this chapter we first read that Achish and the Philistines were preparing to go out to battle against the Israelites, and Achish charged David that he would have to go with them (but the next chapter will address what will actually happen).

The narrative switches back to Saul who was preparing to battle the Philistines who were coming up and encamping near him and Israel. Saul fell into a great fear and tried to inquire of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him, so he disguised himself and went to a medium to call up Samuel. Note: Saul had banned a mediums and sorcerers (necromancers) from the land. When the medium at En-dor called up Samuel she then recognized Saul and became fearful, but he told her not to worry. Samuel (or an apparition) then came and told Saul that, as he had said before, the LORD had rejected him and has torn the kingdom away from him. He also told him that he and his sons would die the next day, and that Israel would be given into the hands of the Philistines. Saul fell down in great fear, he would not eat, but because of pressure from his men and her, he ate and they departed.

What did Achish want David to do, and how did David respond? (the story will continue in chapter 29)? Discuss why you think David would accept this offer of Achish against his own people.

See summary notes above…

In addition, David was most likely setting up a strategy for the future where he could eventually defeat the Philistines from within.

Why did Saul go up to En-dor and what happened when he went there?

See summary notes above…

What did the apparent spirit of Samuel say to Saul, and how did he respond?

See summary notes above…

11. Going Deeper: Research what mediums and necromancers (spiritists) are; and how the Mosaic Law addresses this kind of practice. Discuss how we see this kind of activity still today, and as Christians, how we should respond when we are confronted with similar practices.

From gotquestions.org

In both modern and ancient times, a medium is a person who communicates with spirits, usually apart from the use of witchcraft. A medium is, literally, an “intermediary” between the spirit world and ours. The Bible condemns the practice of mediumship, and attempting to speak to the dead, through séances or other means, is expressly forbidden.
Sometimes mediums are called “channelers,” as they allegedly “channel” communication from the dead to the living. A medium might only communicate with one or more specific spirits (called “familiars” or “familiar spirits”), or the communication may be spread across many different spirits. The messages may come audibly, visually, or through physical sensations. Modern mediums distinguish themselves from psychics, who only read the “energies” of a person or place and do not communicate with actual spirits. (The term “psychic medium” can confuse the issue.) Also, a medium is not necessarily a witch, wizard, sorcerer, or necromancer, since mediums believe that their communication with the spirit world is an inherent ability. The fictional character Cole Sear in the movie The Sixth Sense would be considered a medium.
Mediums are referenced in several passages of the Old Testament. In Leviticus 20:27 mediums are condemned along with “spiritists.” Deuteronomy 18:10–11 echoes Leviticus and expands it, including diviners, sorcerers, witches/wizards, anyone who casts spells, and anyone who practices child sacrifice.
King Saul’s sinful use of a medium is recorded in 1 Samuel 28. The prophet Samuel was dead, and King Saul was frustrated that God had ceased telling him what to do through prophets or dreams. So the king, in direct violation of God’s Law and his own previous command, told his men to find a medium who could communicate with Samuel (1 Samuel 28:3). This medium conjured Samuel, and Saul communicated with the dead prophet. Theologians discuss whether this conjuring was a physical reappearance of Samuel or merely an image of him. There is also some question whether or not the medium actually meant to conjure Samuel, as she seems to have been the most surprised at his appearance—“When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice” (verse 12). Perhaps she was a fraud who did not expect to actually see a spirit, or perhaps she was expecting to communicate with her “familiar” and not with Samuel directly. Either way, God seems to have allowed Samuel’s conjuring in order to drive home His point to Saul. The prophet’s message to Saul was one of doom (verses 17–19), and he died the next day. First Chronicles 10:13–14 reveals that Saul’s interaction with the medium was an important part of why he was dethroned and his dynasty cut short.
In the New Testament, sorcery and other associated practices are considered inappropriate, sinful activities for any Christian (Acts 8:9ff and 19:19). Since the primary purpose of these activities is to communicate with spirits, it is correct to include mediumship in these New Testament warnings.
It should be noted that the spirit a medium conjures is not the spirit of a deceased person (the case of Samuel speaking to Saul was a rare exception). Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:18–31 gives strong evidence that, once a person is dead, his soul remains in either heaven or hell. Thus, the spirits who communicate with mediums are lying spirits (see 1 Kings 22:23) who deceive people into believing their lost loved ones are communicating to them. When grieving parents seek out a medium to put them in touch with their dead child, they don’t realize the spirit who speaks to them is actually a demon pretending to be their child. Any involvement with such practices, including asking mediums for guidance, is strongly warned against in the Bible.

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean? (Chapters 25-28)

12. What is God showing the reader about who He is (His character)?

We see God’s power and sovereignty when he caused Saul, Abner and his men to fall into a deep sleep which allowed David to take the spear and water jar that was at Saul’s head.

We see God’s hesed and protection of David and his men, as He does all of those who are His.

What is God trying to teach the audience from this narrative?

By preserving this record, the people of Israel (and us today) can remember what God did for His people and especially His promised “Seed” line of Judah through David.
This narrative serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all things, both physical and spiritual, as in the case of the Medium at En-dor.
This narrative also serves to show the consequence of disobedience to God, His Law and His specific directions, as exampled in Saul’s life; and the protection of David as in the case of obedience and honor to God.

Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.).

David pictures Jesus in the interaction with Abigail in her asking him for forgiveness and salvation, which he offers, even taking her as his bride (picture of the Church).

APPLICATION: How can we use what we learned? (Chapters 25-28)

Are there things we can apply to our lives that we learn from people in this narrative (good or bad)?

We can learn from the mistakes made by Saul (bad); and we can learn the importance of following God with all our hearts, no matter the cost, like David.

Jot down and discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 25-28

The shelf question here is to research a little more about what the Bible teaches about things that happen like with Saul and the Medium of En-dor.

From gotquestions.org

Did the Witch of En-dor Really Summon Samuel from the Dead?

The account of the witch of Endor summoning Samuel from the dead is recorded in 1 Samuel 28:7–20. It is the only biblical account of a séance. There are differences of opinion regarding the story: did Samuel himself truly appear, was this an illusion perpetrated by the witch, or was it a demonic deception?
King Saul’s encounter with the witch of Endor took place at the very end of his reign as king. The Philistines had arrayed themselves for battle against Israel, and Saul “was afraid; terror filled his heart” (1 Samuel 28:5). Samuel was dead, so Saul sought direction from the Lord through other means, “but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.” God’s silence was a consequence of Saul’s disobedience against God (verse 6).
Having no word from God, Saul sent his servants to find a medium, and they told him of one in the town of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7). Saul had previously expelled all the spiritists and mediums from the land (verse 3), but obviously some remained. By divine law, mediums and spiritists were banned from Israel (Deuteronomy 18:11). That the king, in desperation, would seek wisdom from an occult source that he himself had outlawed shows his hypocrisy and indicates how far he had fallen from God’s grace.
King Saul fasted all day, disguised himself, and visited the witch of Endor with two of his servants. Saul told her, “Consult a spirit for me, . . . and bring up for me the one I name” (1 Samuel 28:8). The woman, wary of a trap, balked at the request. Saul swore an oath that she would not be punished (verse 10), and he indicated that he wished to speak to Samuel. During the séance the prophet appeared: “When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’” (verse 12).
Saul, who did not see what the woman saw, told her not to be afraid and to describe what she saw (1 Samuel 28:13). The witch said, “I see a ghostly figure a coming up out of the earth,” further describing him as “an old man wearing a robe” (verses 13–14). “Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground” (verse 14).
In the ensuing conversation, “Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’” (1 Samuel 28:15). The king explained about the Philistines and how God was no longer answering him (verse 16). Samuel then gave Saul a chilling message:

Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.
(1 Samuel 28:16–19)

Upon hearing of his fate, Saul was very afraid. The witch prepared a meal for Saul, who had not eaten all day, and she and Saul’s two servants prevailed upon to partake of what was probably his last meal (1 Samuel 28:20–25). The next day, in battle, Saul and his sons died (chapter 31).
The passage does not give any indication that the apparition the witch of Endor saw was anything other than Samuel himself. We know that the medium was not producing an illusion because she screams in surprise when she sees Samuel (1 Samuel 28:12). Also, the spirit rising from the earth is called “Samuel.” The text does not say that the spirit “appeared to be Samuel” or that the medium “thought it was Samuel”; the text directly refers to the spirit as “Samuel.” Further, the spirit spoke the truth; the message Saul received was accurate.
The witch of Endor was likely expecting to hear from her “familiar spirit” (a demon) during the séance, and that explains her startled reaction to seeing Samuel. It seems that, in this case, God allowed Samuel to return in order to give King Saul the news of his coming defeat and death.
The story of the witch of Endor summoning Samuel does not imply that séances are effective in conjuring the dead or that witches or mediums genuinely speak with the spirits of dead individuals. When a person dies, his or her soul is taken to either heaven or hell. There is no wandering the earth, conveying messages to the living, or making return visits (see Luke 16:19–31). Any claim of contact with departed loved ones is a demonic deception (see 2 Corinthians 11:14–15).
God condemned necromancy, channeling, and the work of mediums, and those who practiced such things in ancient Israel were to be put to death (Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10–12). In Saul’s case, God allowed Samuel to return to pronounce a final judgment on the disobedient king. Saul, who had refused to listen to Samuel when the prophet was alive, sinfully sought a word from Samuel after he was dead. And that was part of why Saul was judged (1 Chronicles 10:13–14).

Homework

Read 1 Samuel Chapters 29-31 and write out titles and sub-titles for each section
Write a short summary (3-5 sentences or bullet points) for each chapter or chapter section to help in our weekly table discussion

Going Deeper:

Share your summary and/or answer these questions for each chapter:

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 29:

What was the interaction between the Philistine commanders and Achish because of David and his men being part of their army, and what was the result?
What then was the interaction between Achish and David, and what was the result?

Chapter 30:

What had happened while David and his men were gone from Ziklag, and who did it?
What did David and his men do in response to this action, and what did David specifically do? *Write out the key verse here that shows how David got his strength to continue: 30:6b
How did David defeat the Amalekites, who helped him and how do we see God’s hand in this (concerning the things that were recovered)?
Why did 200 men stay behind, what did David do to make sure they all were taken care of even though he had some opposition, and how did he use this to gain the respect of the other cities and territories?

Chapter 31:

Who died in the battle at Mount Gilboa, and how?
What did the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead do when they heard who had died?

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean? (Chapters 29-31)

What is God showing the reader about who He is (His character)?
What is God trying to teach the audience from this narrative?
Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.).

APPLICATION: How can we use what we learned? (Chapters 29-31)

Are there things we can apply to our lives that we learn from people in this narrative (good or bad)?

Jot down and discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 29-31

Join us next week as we continue our Apologetics Blueprint Class and conclude our study in the book of 1 Samuel!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15