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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 28 - Verse 12

28:12
And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see the moment when the woman at Endor recognizes Saul, the king of Israel, who has come to consult the medium to speak to the deceased prophet Samuel. The woman immediately cries out in a loud voice upon seeing Saul, expressing shock and dismay at his presence. She accuses Saul of deceiving her by pretending to be someone else, as consulting mediums and necromancers was strictly forbidden in Israelite society. The woman's accusation reveals the tension and fear surrounding the practice of witchcraft during this time period. Saul's decision to seek guidance from a medium instead of relying on God's wisdom ultimately leads to his downfall, as he will face the consequences of his disobedience in the following chapters. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His commandments, rather than turning to forbidden practices in times of trouble.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see the woman of Endor reacting in fear and shock when she realizes that the man before her is Saul, the king of Israel. The woman's response demonstrates her surprise and apprehension at recognizing Saul, as she had not expected him to seek her help in summoning the spirit of Samuel the prophet. Her question to Saul, "Why hast thou deceived me?" reveals her fear of the consequences of her actions and her concern for her own safety. From a theological standpoint, this verse highlights the consequences of seeking supernatural guidance outside of God's will. Saul's decision to consult a medium ultimately leads to his downfall, as it signifies his lack of trust in God's guidance. The woman's reaction serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning to sources other than God for guidance and the importance of staying faithful to His word.

American Standard Version

And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
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