First Samuel

First Samuel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapters Twenty Eight-Twenty Nine

 

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTERS:

I. "...THE LORD ANSWERED HIM NOT..." - (28:1-6)

II. SAUL CONFERS WITH THE WITCH OF ENDOR - (28:7-14)
III. SAUL'S DISCUSSION WITH SAMUEL (28:15-20)
IV. SAUL'S LAST MEAL - (28:21-25)
V. DAVID'S COMPANY NOT GENERALLY APPRECIATED - (29:1-11)

 

I. "...THE LORD ANSWERED HIM NOT..." - (28:1-6)

As we open the chapter, we find David living in Ziklag, a city controlled by the Philistines. Achish has taken a liking to David and sees him as a very valuable ally. David's reputation precedes him wherever he goes. Achish makes David his personal bodyguard, "...keeper of mine head forever..." (vs. 2).

Saul finds himself in a very lonely position. Samuel is dead (25:1); Saul has driven David away; and the Lord seems to have "the phone off the hook" "the Lord answered him not..." (vs. 6).

Saul has kept the law in that he has attempted to control the witch and wizard population, (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 19:26,31; Deut. 18:10). Yet, if a man will not get his information from God, he'll get it from the Devil. Saul needs answers.

God spoke to people in the Old Testament in a number of ways:

[1]. The written word - (Dan. 9:2)

[2]. The spoken word - (Isa. 6:8-10)

[3]. Through dreams - (Gen. 20:3-7; 31:10-13)

[4]. In visions - (1 Ki. 22:19; Isa. 1:1; 6:1)

[5]. Through angelic messenger - (Deut. 33:2; Acts 7:53)

[6]. By Urim and Thummim (text). See notes one (1 Sam. 23) under Roman numeral one.

This is not a new insight into human nature, but I believe it is important at this point to make a special note. When a man consumes himself with opposition to a particular sin, very often, when he weakens, he finds himself falling into this very sin. God has a way of humbling us.

 

II. SAUL CONFERS WITH THE WITCH AT ENDOR - (28:7-14)

Men and women alike in positions of authority, have the ability to justify themselves in being above the law. Wizardry and witchcraft were punishable by death (Ex. 22:18), yet, for Saul it is expedient, so for him, he sees it to be an exception to the rule.

"Familiar spirit" means simply one who is on 'family terms' with the spirit world.

Saul's actions condemn him. He disguises himself and goes by night (see Nicodemus Jn. 3:2). The scene has been repeated in one form or another in many Hollywood films. The woman condemns herself for she acknowledges the law, the violation, and its penalty (vs. 9).

Men throw the name of God around quite loosely Saul swears by God that no harm will come to her for violating God's law! No comment is necessary. Note, (1 Sam. 23:7,14,21).

What follows has been discussed often amongst the most serious of biblical theologs. We shall not tarry on well trampled ground.

We can say these things:

[1]. It appears that the woman saw Samuel and Saul did not. Whether she knew it was Samuel at first is not clear.

[2]. What is clear is that the woman is surprised at what comes up. Somehow before a word is said, if the events recorded are in chronological order, she perceives that she has been deceived and that her 'client' is King Saul. Possibly Samuel, on arrival, bowed before Saul, giving away the king's identity.

[3]. The woman sees some creatures ("gods") other than Samuel coming out of the earth.

The question that is often asked about the passage is, "did she really exhume Samuel from the underworld?" The answer, I believe, is yes, yet, she surprised herself in doing it.

 

III. SAUL'S DISCUSSION WITH SAMUEL - (28:15-20)

"...Why hast thou disquieted me?" This indicates that the 'saved' or better, righteous of the Old Testament were in a state of rest. It may be that the righteous "sleep," but not the lost. The Jehovah's Witness doctrine, of Soul Sleep may be a partial truth, yet, the lost never sleep. Although Lazarus never spoke in (Lk. 16), the rich man was conscious of his environment. Dathan and Abiram "went down alive into the pit," (Num. 16:1,33; Deut. 11:6; Psa. 106:17). (1 Thess. 5:10) says of the saved of this age, "...whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." See (2 Cor. 5:8). He is not in the “grave!"

"God is departed from me...," (1 Sam. 16:14; 18:12).

Samuel's question of verse 16 is simply, ''don't you think that the Lord and I are getting along very well? "Why are you asking for my help?"

"...The Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand..." (1 Sam. 15:26-28) "...and given it to thy neighbor" (David). David was from Judah, Saul from Benjamin; they were neighbors.

"Because thou obeyest not..." (1 Sam. 15:9) Saul's problems began before David even came on the scene in (1 Sam. 17). "...Tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me .... " The statement leads many to believe that Saul was a "saved" man. Saul is mysteriously missing from the faith hall of fame in (Heb. 11). The fact is that "Abraham's bosom," or "Paradise," was in Hell before the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The 'good' thief was promised that he would be in paradise that very day with Jesus, yet, we know that Jesus went to Hell. See (Lk. 16:19-31) for illustration. The written account of Saul's life would lead one to believe that his final 'resting' place was not very comfortable. How about Jonathan?

 

IV. SAUL'S LAST MEAL - (28:21-25)

Well, the day had been a complete 'bust', might as well end it with a good meal. Saul once again illustrates how moveable he is. He refuses to eat but is quickly convinced to join the feast. Saul was next on death row and he knew it.

 

V. DAVID'S COMPANY IS NOT GENERALLY APPRECIATED - (29:1-11)

The Philistines assemble themselves to battle. The troops pass in review. Units from the 101st and 82nd Airborne pass by. Then here is a detachment of the elite German SS! What do these Hebrews here? David and his men were somewhat out of place amongst the generally dark-skinned Hamite population.

Achish has bought David's 'line', hook, line and sinker. "I have found no fault in him..." (Jn. 19:4); again we see David as he typifies Messiah the Prince. The rest of the Philistine lords were somewhat suspicious of the Hebrew's presence amongst them. They saw that David has an excellent opportunity to restore his relationship with Saul by changing his loyalties in the midst of the battle (vs. 4).

Party politics forces Achish to bow to the wishes of the lords. It is interesting to speculate as to what David would have done had he been allowed to participate. David appears to be disappointed at his rejection, "What have I done?", a familiar statement from his mouth, (17:29; 20:1; 26:18).

"Thou...art good in my sight, as an angel of God...", again David is seen as a type of Christ, (Gal. 4:14).

Actually, it appears that God provides David providential protection (Rom. 8:28), so that he will not make a dreadful mistake. David swore that he would not lay his hands upon God's anointed, Saul. Yet, David is a man of war and does not appreciate sitting on the sidelines while the game is underway.

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