Introduction

Today’s passage is one of the most sobering in all of Scripture—1 Samuel 28:3–25. This is the story of King Saul’s tragic visit to the medium at En-dor. It’s a powerful reminder of what happens when we reject God’s Word and harden our hearts over time. But more than that, it points us to our deep need for the grace and mercy that can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

1. God’s Silence Isn’t Without Cause

We’re told Saul inquired of the Lord—but the Lord didn’t answer him. Not by dreams. Not by the Urim. Not by prophets.

That’s because Saul had long since rejected God’s Word. He disobeyed God’s clear commands. He slaughtered the Lord’s priests. And now that he’s desperate—terrified—the Lord is silent.

This is a picture of what Romans 1 talks about when God “gives people over” to their sin. God’s silence is not passive—it’s active judgment. And yet, it’s not cruel. Saul had been warned again and again. He just didn’t listen.

Here’s the hard truth: when we continually push God away, there may come a day when we no longer hear His voice—not because He’s far off, but because we’ve hardened ourselves so deeply.

But friend, if your heart is soft right now—if you feel convicted—that’s grace. That’s the Lord inviting you to turn back while there’s still time.

2. Religious Language Without Repentance Is Empty

Notice what Saul does next. He says, “Find me a woman who is a medium.”

The same man who banned mediums in obedience to God now seeks one out in rebellion against God. And then—get this—he swears by the name of the Lord to protect her!

“As the Lord lives…” —he’s invoking God’s name to break God’s law.

That’s what sin does. It twists our conscience. It leads us to justify our rebellion with spiritual words. But friends, we must not confuse religious language with genuine repentance. Saul was desperate for answers—but he never truly bowed in repentance. He wanted help without holiness. Rescue without submission.

God will not be mocked. He calls us not just to cry out—but to surrender.

3. Samuel Speaks One Final Word—from the Grave

And here comes the most remarkable moment: Samuel appears.

The medium clearly wasn’t expecting this—she screams! That’s a clue that God sovereignly allowed Samuel to appear, not that this was some occultic trick.

Samuel’s message? Nothing new.

• God has turned from you.
• The kingdom is given to David.
• Tomorrow, you and your sons will die.

This is the same message Saul had heard before—but now it comes with finality.

There is no gospel for Saul in this moment. No hope. No call to repent. Just the confirmation of judgment already declared.

That’s terrifying. And it reminds us—today, if you hear God’s voice, do not harden your heart. The call to repentance is not forever. There may come a time when the window closes.

4. A Last Supper in Darkness

And then, we come to the final scene. Saul, weak and overwhelmed, is convinced to eat. The woman prepares a meal. And the chapter closes with this line:

“Then they rose and went away that night.”

Into the night. Into judgment. Into despair.

This is the end for Saul. A man who once stood tall among Israel now fades into the shadows of divine abandonment.

But we need to see this through the lens of Christ.

Jesus also had a last supper. He too entered into darkness. But unlike Saul, Jesus did not go into the night because of His sin—He went because of ours.

On the cross, He bore the wrath Saul deserved, the silence we should have faced. He cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”—so that we never have to.

And three days later, He rose from the grave to offer life, light, and forgiveness to all who believe.

Application

• Don’t delay repentance. The longer we ignore God’s Word, the easier it becomes to harden our hearts. Today is the day to return.
• Don’t settle for religious activity without real surrender. Saul used God’s name but didn’t love His ways. God wants your heart, not just your words.
• Turn to Jesus. He’s the King Saul failed to be. He was forsaken in our place so that we could be forgiven. Come to Him. He is full of mercy for all who truly repent.

Outro

Thanks for joining me today on Reading the Bible Daily with Dave. 1 Samuel 28 is a hard chapter—but one that points us to our need for Christ, and the seriousness of rejecting God’s Word.

If today’s episode encouraged or challenged you, would you share it with a friend? And make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a day in the Word.

Until next time, keep clinging to Christ, stay grounded in the Scriptures, and walk by faith. The Lord bless you and keep you.

Please check out the archive of our podcast at Reading the Bible Daily with Dave