1 Samuel 28:21 ESV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:20-25

We are here told how Saul received this terrible message from the ghost he consulted. He desired to be told what he should do (1 Sam. 28:15), but was only told what he had not done and what should be done to him. Those that expect any good counsel or comfort otherwise than from God, and in the way of his institutions, will be as wretchedly disappointed as Saul here was. Observe, I. How he sunk under the load, 1 Sam. 28:20. He was indeed unfit to bear it, having eaten nothing all the day... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:21

And the woman came unto Saul ,.... Having left him and the apparition in a room by themselves to converse together, and perhaps on hearing him fall to the ground came in: and saw that he was sore troubled : by his lying on the ground, and the agonies he seemed to be in, and the uneasiness that sat upon his countenance: and said unto him, behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice ; in divining by her familiar spirit for him, and in bringing up Samuel to him, as he desired: and I... 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 28:20-25

Saul fell straightway all along, i.e. at full length, on the earth . He fainted, partly from mental distress, partly from bodily exhaustion, as he had gone all the day and all the night without food. It was this long continued violent emotion of feeling which had driven Saul to this rash enterprise; but fasting and agony of mind were the worst possible preparation for a visit to one used to cajole her victims by pretended magical arts, and gifted, as people of her class usually are,... 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 28:21

Behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 28:20-21

1 Samuel 28:20-21. Then Saul fell straightway— Immediately after having pronounced the dreadful words in the former verse, Samuel disappeared, leaving the unhappy king in the most dreadful consternation. Saul, most probably, during the time of Samuel's appearance, had been left alone with him, the woman having retired. Continuing some time prostrate upon the earth, without power to move or speak, the woman at length returned to him, and with his servants persuaded him to take some refreshment.... 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 28:20-25

Saul’s failure to listen 28:20-25Why did the writer give us so much information about this woman’s concern for Saul? For one thing, it is another instance of the reversal-of-fortune motif that is so common in 1 and 2 Samuel. Saul should have executed the woman for witchcraft, as the Law commanded, but instead she ministered to Saul. A disobedient medium became a source of blessing for the disobedient king. Saul had departed so far from God that even this woman, through whom he had just learned... 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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:20-25

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:21

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:15-25

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:20-25

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 28:21

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 28:20-21

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

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:20-25

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

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