“The Lord has done for Himself as He
spoke by me.” (v.17)
In today's Bible reading, King Saul,
on his last legs as king of Israel, was in a panic. The Philistines, Israel's
archenemies, were poised to attack; and Saul was desperate for a word from God.
But the prophet Samuel was dead, and God wasn't speaking to Saul directly
anymore (v. 6).
In his fear and sinfulness, the king
decided to go to a medium for help, although he himself had outlawed witchcraft
(Detu. 18:9-13) At this point his character (if possible) had sunk even lower
by asking her to bring up Samuel’s spirit from the dead (v.11).
How could she do so? Do witches
really have such power over dead saints? No. In this case God permitted the
spirit of Samuel to come with a specific message for Saul. Lies and disguises
end, as the king's identity is revealed (v.12). After death, in the same way as
when he was alive, Samuel prophesied God's word, a judgment. The Israelites
would be defeated, and Saul and his sons were to die because of their
disobedience (v.18).
Although he heard this final word
from the man he most respected, Saul still did not repent. Sadly, his only
response was fear (v. 20). Saul, had completely removed himself from the grace
and presence of God, and he was left with a terrifying fear and an inability to
lead his people. Such is the consequences of unchecked sin.
Even king David would later experience this fear but, unlike Saul, he repented and God's grace was granted to him.
Even king David would later experience this fear but, unlike Saul, he repented and God's grace was granted to him.
The Truth
‘O Lord, when you favored me, you
made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.”
(Psalm 30:7)
