"The Lord has done for Himself as He spoke by me. For the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day. Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines. Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, and was dreadfully afraid because of the words of Samuel.” (vv.17-20)
Here in chapter 28 King Saul iis on his last legs as king of Israel, and 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 ended, 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 for Saul. 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.
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)
