Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 28 - Verse 8

In this verse, we see Saul, the first king of Israel, seeking guidance from a woman who had a familiar spirit. Saul, feeling desperate and abandoned by God, decides to seek help from the spirit of Samuel, a prophet who had passed away. Saul disguises himself and goes to the woman with two men in the cover of night. Despite the risks and the forbidding nature of communicating with the dead, Saul implores the woman to summon Samuel's spirit, promising to tell her the name of the person he wants to speak to. This act of seeking guidance through necromancy goes against the teachings of the Bible, as it is forbidden to communicate with the dead or consult with mediums. Saul's actions here reflect his spiritual decline and his deviation from God's commandments, portraying the consequences of turning away from God in times of need.

When looking at the theological interpretation of 1 Samuel 28:8, the verse raises important questions regarding the ethics of seeking counsel from mediums or those who claim to have communication with the dead. In this passage, Saul disguises himself and seeks out a medium to contact the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. This action goes against the Levitical laws found in the Bible which strictly forbid communicating with the dead (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6). The use of a medium to call on the spirit of Samuel highlights Saul's desperation and disobedience towards God, as he is looking for guidance in a time of distress through forbidden means. This story serves as a cautionary tale for believers today, emphasizing the importance of seeking counsel and direction only from God and His Word rather than turning to mediums or spiritualists.