1 Samuel 28:8 NVIPT

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:7-14

Here, I. Saul seeks for a witch, 1 Sam. 28:7. When God answered him not, if he had humbled himself by repentance and persevered in seeking God, who knows but that at length he might have been entreated for him? but, since he can discern no comfort either from heaven or earth (Isa. 8:21, 22), he resolves to knock at the gates of hell, and to see if any there will befriend him and give him advice: Seek me a woman that has a familiar spirit, 1 Sam. 28:7. And his servants were too officious to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:8

And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment ,.... Stripped himself of his royal robes, or military apparel, as supreme commander, and clothed himself in the habit of a peasant or a common soldier; and this not only that he might not be known by the woman, but that he might pass from his army incognito, and it might not be known that he was gone, and especially whither he was gone: and he went, and two men with him : these, according to the tradition of the Jews F5 Vajikra... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:8

Saul disguised himself - That he might not be known by the woman, lest she, being terrified, should refuse to use her art. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:6-14

Man's appeal from God to man. The facts are— 1 . Saul in his trouble seeks in vain guidance from God. 2 . In despair he has recourse to the witch of Endor, promising her that no harm should come to her for assisting him with her incantations. 3 . Saul desires of her to bring up Samuel. 4 . On Samuel coining forth the woman is in terror, and also discovers Saul's identity. 5 . By the aid of the woman Saul recognises Samuel, and bows himself to the earth. The strange... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:7-8

Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit . Hebrew, "owner of an ob " (see on 1 Samuel 28:3 ). This determination of Saul proves how obstinate was his self-will. He wanted an answer simply that he might know what was about to happen, not that he might receive guidance and counsel from God. From his bidding them seek him out "a woman mistress of an ob ," we gather that women were the usual claimants to these occult powers, just as now they are the most successful clairvoyantes, Endor... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:8

Divine - Compare to 1 Samuel 6:2, note; Numbers 23:23, note.Bring me him up - The art of the ventriloquist seems to have been always connected with necromancy. The Greeks had necromancers who called up departed spirits to give answers to those who consulted them. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 28:8

1 Samuel 28:8. Saul disguised himself Both because he was ashamed to be known, or thought guilty of this practice, and because he suspected the woman, if she knew him, would not practise her art before him. And he went In all haste that very night, stripped of his regal apparel, and attended only by two companions. How nearly allied are infidelity and impiety to superstition; and what will not they do who will not confide in and obey God! But a few hours before he was too haughty to... 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 28:8

by the familiar spirit . Hence called necromancy. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:8

SAUL VISITED THE WITCH OF ENDOR"So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments, and went, he and two men with him; and they came to the woman by night. And he said, "Divine for me by a spirit, and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you." The woman said to him, "Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the wizards from the land. Why then are you laying a snare for my life to bring about my death"? But Saul swore to her by the Lord, "As the Lord lives, no... read more