Saul and the Medium at Endor

As the Philistines gathered for war, Achish told David that he and his men would go out with the army. The Philistines camped at Shunem, and Saul gathered Israel at Gilboa. When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was badly afraid. Samuel had already died, and Saul had earlier driven mediums and spiritists out of the land.

Saul asked the LORD for guidance, but no answer came by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets. Then Saul told his servants to find a woman who could consult a spirit for him. They said there was such a woman at Endor. Saul disguised himself, took two men, and went to her at night.

When Saul asked her to call up someone for him, the woman feared for her life because Saul had removed such people from the land. Saul swore that she would not be punished. He asked for Samuel. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out and realised her visitor was Saul.

She said she saw a being coming up out of the earth, then described an old man covered with a robe. Saul understood that it was Samuel and bowed down. Saul said he was in great trouble because the Philistines were attacking and God no longer answered him by prophets or dreams.

Samuel answered that the LORD had departed from Saul and become his adversary. The kingdom was being torn from Saul and given to David, because Saul had not obeyed the LORD concerning Amalek. Samuel also said Israel would be handed over to the Philistines, and that Saul and his sons would be with him the next day.

Saul fell full length to the ground, terrified by Samuel's words. He had no strength, because he had eaten nothing all day or all night. The woman urged him to eat. At first he refused, but his servants and the woman persuaded him. She prepared meat and unleavened bread, and Saul and his servants ate before leaving that night.