1 Samuel 28:3-7 NVIPT

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 28:7-12

1 Samuel 28:7-12. Then said Saul—Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit— Utterly forsaken of God, yet anxiously desirous of searching into futurity, Saul, who had prayed to God to no purpose, now resolved to apply himself to Samuel. To what will not fear and folly force us? In the days of his devotion, Saul had partly cut off, and partly frighted away, those wizards and sorcerers, those execrable wretches, the pests of society and enemies of true religion, whom God commanded to be... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:3

3. Now Samuel is dead, c.—This event is here alluded to as affording an explanation of the secret and improper methods by which Saul sought information and direction in the present crisis of his affairs. Overwhelmed in perplexity and fear, he yet found the common and legitimate channels of communication with Heaven shut against him. And so, under the impulse of that dark, distempered, superstitious spirit which had overmastered him, he resolved, in desperation, to seek the aid of one of those... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:4

4. the Philistines . . . pitched in Shunem—Having collected their forces for a last grand effort, they marched up from the seacoast and encamped in the "valley of Jezreel." The spot on which their encampment was fixed was Shunem (Joshua 19:18), now Sulem, a village which still exists on the slope of a range called "Little Hermon." On the opposite side, on the rise of Mount Gilboa, hard by "the spring of Jezreel," was Saul's army—the Israelites, according to their wont, keeping to the heights,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:7

7, 8. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit—From the energetic measures which he himself had taken for extirpating the dealers in magical arts (the profession having been declared a capital offense), his most attached courtiers might have had reason to doubt the possibility of gratifying their master's wish. Anxious inquiries, however, led to the discovery of a woman living very secluded in the neighborhood, who had the credit of possessing the forbidden... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:3-7

The threat of Philistine attack 28:3-7Samuel’s death and the mention of Saul’s commendable removal of mediums and spiritists prepare for what follows (cf. Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10-11). Mediums are people who communicate with the dead, and spiritists are those who communicate with evil spirits. The terms always go together in the Old Testament, indicating the close relationship that exists between these activities. The Mosaic Law prescribed death for mediums and spiritists because God... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:3-25

Saul’s attempt to secure divine guidance from a medium 28:3-25The story involving Saul’s meeting with the "witch" of Endor is one of the best known in 1 Samuel. It contains some unique events that have troubled Bible students for many years. Again the spotlight of revelation turns back to Saul from David. We see here Saul’s insensibility due to his departure from God."This visit to the medium of Endor is cited by the Chronicler as proof positive that Saul deserved the judgment that fell on him... read more

John Dummelow

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 28:3

(3) Now Samuel was dead.—A statement here repeated to introduce the strange, sad story which follows. The LXX., followed by the Vulg. and Syriac Versions, omitted it, not understanding the reason for its repetition.And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.—This statement is also inserted explanatory of what follows. In other words, the compiler says: “Now Samuel, whom Saul was so anxious to see, was dead and buried, and the possessors of familiar... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 28:4

(4) And pitched in Shunem.—As has been already described in the Note on 1 Samuel 27:1, the Philistine army had penetrated into the heart of Palestine, and, marching across the Valley of Jezreel, took up a strong position on the south-western slope of “Little Hermon,” near to the village, or town, of Shunem, a little to the north of Jezreel. Shunem is known in Biblical history as the home of Abishag (1 Kings 1:3), and the dwelling-place of the woman who entertained Elisha, and whose dead son he... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 28:5

(5) He was afraid.—There is no doubt that Saul was discouraged when he viewed the enemy’s ranks from the eminence of Gilboa. They were far more numerous than he had expected. But the real reason of his trembling must be looked for in the consciousness that God had forsaken him. Many of the well-known Israelite warriors had, during the late events, taken service with his dreaded rival, David, and David, he knew, was now the vassal of Achish, a Philistine king. We may imagine Saul, the forsaken... read more

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 28:7-12

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:3

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:4

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:7

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:3-7

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:3-25

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 28:3

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 28:4

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 28:5

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