John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:1-25
Saul and the Witch of Endor1 Samuel 28:3-25 come from another document and interrupt the connexion, as will be seen if the account is read without them. In order of time their proper position is after 1 Samuel 30. In 1 Samuel 29:1 the Philistines are still in Aphek; in 1 Samuel 29:11 they advance to Jezreel, where we find them in 1 Samuel 28:4. In 1 Samuel 28:3-25 we have come to the eve of the battle, the account of which follows in 1 Samuel 31. 2. Keeper of mine head] i.e. captain of my... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:15-19
Saul’s conversation with Samuel 28:15-19Samuel’s soul had been at peace in the place of departed spirits, but now Saul had disturbed that rest. Saul described his reason for doing so. He wanted to obtain divine guidance concerning the Philistines from Samuel, since he could not get it from the Lord through other means. Samuel replied that Saul was wrong in thinking that Samuel would tell him what strategy to use since the Lord would not. The prophet was, after all, simply the mouthpiece of God.... read more