1 Samuel 28:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:15-19

We have here the conference between Saul and Satan. Saul came in disguise (1 Sam. 28:8), but Satan soon discovered him, 1 Sam. 28:12. Satan comes in disguise, in the disguise of Samuel's mantle, and Saul cannot discover him. Such is the disadvantage we labour under, in wrestling with the rulers of the darkness of this world, that they know us, while we are ignorant of their wiles and devices. I. The spectre, or apparition, personating Samuel, asks why he is sent for (1 Sam. 28:15): Why hast... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:18

Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord ,.... At Gilgal, as Abarbinel thinks; which is the first thing for which the kingdom was threatened to be taken from him, 1 Samuel 13:13 , nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek : in sparing Agag, and the best of the cattle, 1 Samuel 15:9 , therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day ; forsaken him, rent his kingdom from him, and would deliver him into the hands of the Philistines, as follows: had he been the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:18

Nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek - See 1 Samuel 15:1-9 ; (note) and the notes there. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:15-25

The last fruitless effort. The facts of this section are— 1 . Saul, in reply to Samuel's question, declares, as the reason of seeking him, his deep distress and desire to know what to do. 2 . Samuel intimates that the inquiry is vain, as he cannot go against God; that the event causing so much distress was simply the perfecting of what had long before been declared; that David was the coming king, and that all this was the consequence of deliberate disobedience. 3 . He also... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:17-19

Jehovah hath done to him. Rather, "hath wrought for himself;" but the LXX ; Vulgate, and some MSS . read "hath done to thee," as in 1 Samuel 28:18 . As he spake by me. See 1 Samuel 15:28 . Saul's rebellion is there said, in 1 Samuel 15:23 , to be a crime as great as the witchcraft which he was at that time so zealously punishing; here, where the sentence is being carried into execution, Saul has himself become guilty of what in his better hours he so abominated. Jehovah will... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 28:17-18

1 Samuel 28:17-18. The Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thy hand, &c. Here the prophet foretels that Saul should that day be stripped of the kingdom, and that it should be given to David. Then follows what nothing but infinite, unerring prescience could predict; an exact, minute, precise account of all the circumstances of the then depending event! Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord Saul’s sin in killing the Lord’s priests, and in seeking to kill David, is not here... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

Another Philistine-Israelite war (28:1-29:11)When the Philistines set out to attack Israel, Achish made David and his troops his personal bodyguard (28:1-2). Back in Israel, Saul was terrified. He asked God what he should do, but God refused to show him (3-6). So he went to a woman who consulted the spirits of the dead, hoping that through her he could get directions from Samuel (7-14).Samuel spoke to Saul from the world of the dead, but he gave him neither comfort nor help. He merely confirmed... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 28:18

obeyedst not = hearkenedst not to. wrath . Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the judgment in consequence of it. 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

Thomas Constable

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

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