1 Samuel, chapter 28, brings us to the end of Saul’s life, where we learn that He was continuing to do evil in the sight of God, more importantly, seeking after those that were mediums or sorcerers. Therefore, we can know for a surety that God was not with him in his last moments on earth. He was very sinful how he pursued to kill David. So in trying to call upon God, he got no answers. This is when he did the unthinkable. Even after he 2“had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land,” (1 Samuel 28:3) he soon went against this also when the Philistines were coming against him and his people in war. He even went so far as to disguise himself and went late at night seeking a women with a familiar spirit, or we would call, medium, sorcerer, or even witch. This took place in a town called Endor. And after speaking with this women, she said, 2“whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.” (1 Samuel 28:11-14) So what do we have here? It was Samuel, who was not supposed to be disturbed. This is important to know, as we will learn next that people that have died should never be called back, even as spirits to talk with us.
Just because a person that has passed on can be called back from the grave in their spirit form, it does not mean that it should be done. This diving into the unknown, not just the spirit realm, which is off-limits to us from God. Doing this is anyways causing God’s wrath to fall upon you, for mixing with sorcery is evil in the sight of God. Even John wrote that all people that practice sorcery or mix themselves up with it will not go to heaven when they die, but the lake of fire. He wrote, 3“but the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8) So did Samuel say it was also wrong to call him up from the dead? Yes, he did. It is recorded, 2“and Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?” (1 Samuel 28:15,16) This can’t be more plain as day since Samuel asked him why would he have the nerve to have his spirit raised up. He also asked him why he would want to ask him anything since he was already given the answer he needed. That answer we will discuss next, but know that Samuel was not happy.
Samuel said to Saul, as he did in the past, 2“and the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 28:17-19) This same thing was mentioned to Saul, the last time he encountered Samuel. This was that story, 1“and Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. And Samuel said unto him, The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.” (1 Samuel 15:26-28) Saul remembered this and was very distressed after hearing the news from Samuel. However, this should have helped him understand that God was also upset with him using a medium to get answers from Samuel. His fate was already set, for the kingdom had moved from him to David. Now, in conclusion, never conjure up the spirits of the dead. This is sorcery and God’s wrath is upon such people who mix with such things. Therefore, give up such things and come to Jesus.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will understand that it is off-limits for us to call upon the dead or consult any person that calls themselves a medium. Surely, this is putting ourselves at risk of having an evil spirit enter our lives. No matter if the dead can be called, You have called us to not dabble in such things. Even in the day we live in, people may say that witchcraft and sorcery are not common anymore, but You know the truth, of Lord. It is sad to see people I know and love call themselves Christians and still use magic cards, while thinking it is OK with You. Surely, this is nothing different than conjuring up spells, which is despicable in Your sight. I often wonder how people are so interested in fortune tellers or magic shows, for these things do not lift You up, but Satan instead. We are not seeking You if our hearts are set on the things of this world. Therefore, I pray that You will lose people that are currently in bondage because of their sins, and seeking after things that are unseemly in Your sight. It is my prayer that people will be drawn to know what You desire for our lives, not what they think is good. Our flesh will deceive us into following dark paths that lead us nowhere but hell. So I pray that people will start to pray often and read the Bible daily. Then will they know what You’ve said in scripture, and begin to be obedient to You as well. It is one thing to know what You have said, and another to follow and do as You say. For me, it is an honor to read and understand Your teachings better. To live them out brings me joy. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
There are a number of activities that can open a door into the occult. Many think it’s Ok to play around with astrology or even a spirit board. It’s not OK. I played with a one as a young teen. We did not move that stylus. It moved on its own. It did tell me the truth But the source of that was evil. Never again.