1Samuel:28

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 1-6 - David could not refuse Achish without danger . If he promised assistance , and then stood neuter , or went over to the Israelites , he would behave with ingratitude and treachery . If he fought against Israel , he would sin greatly . It seemed impossible that he should get out of this difficulty with a clear conscience ; but his evasive answer , intended to gain time , was not consistent with the character of an Israelite indeed . Troubles are terrors to the children of disobedience . In his distress , Saul inquired of the Lord . He did not seek in faith , but with a double , unstable mind . Saul had put the law in force against those that had familiar spirits , Exodus strkjv @22:18 . Many seem zealous against , sin , when they are any way hurt by it , who have no concern for the glory of God , nor any dislike of sin as sin . Many seem enemies to sin in others , while they indulge it in themselves . Saul will drive the devil out of his kingdom , yet harbours him in his heart by envy and malice . How foolish to consult those whom , according to God 's law , he had endeavoured to root out ! * Verse 7-19 - When we go from the plain path of duty , every thing draws us further aside , and increases our perplexity and temptation . Saul desires the woman to bring one from the dead , with whom he wished to speak ; this was expressly forbidden , Deuteronomy strkjv @18:11 . All real or pretended witchcraft or conjuration , is a malicious or an ignorant attempt to gain knowledge or help from some creature , when it cannot be had from the Lord in the path of duty . While Samuel was living , we never read of Saul 's going to advise with him in any difficulties ; it had been well for him if he had . But now he is dead , "Bring me up Samuel ." Many who despise and persecute God 's saints and ministers when living , would be glad to have them again , when they are gone . The whole shows that it was no human fraud or trick . Though the woman could not cause Samuel 's being sent , yet Saul 's inquiry might be the occasion of it . The woman 's surprise and terror proved that it was an unusual and unexpected appearance . Saul had despised Samuel 's solemn warnings in his lifetime , yet now that he hoped , as in defiance of God , to obtain some counsel and encouragement from him , might not God permit the soul of his departed prophet to appear to Saul , to confirm his former sentence , and denounce his doom ? The expression , "Thou and thy sons shall be with me ," means no more than that they shall be in the eternal world . There appears much solemnity in God 's permitting the soul of a departed prophet to come as a witness from heaven , to confirm the word he had spoken on earth . * Verse 20-25 - 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 . Though terrified even to despair , he was not humbled . He confessed not his sins , offered no sacrifices , and presented no supplications . He does not seem to have cared about his sons or his people , or to have attempted any escape ; but in sullen despair he rushed upon his doom . God sets up a few such beacons , to warn men not to stifle convictions , or despise his word . But while one repenting thought remains , let no sinner suppose himself in this case . Let him humble himself before God , determined to live and die beseeching his favour , and he will succeed . Henry ' _1__29 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

---