Another paradox

June 10, 2022 (Friday)

 

Another “head scratcher” is the story of the “witch of Endor.” When Saul became king, he followed the Law concerning dark spiritual practices. On the supply side, Exodus 22:18 specifically states, “You shall not permit a sorceress to live.” [ESV] (Also see Deuteronomy 18:10 – 11.) On the demand side Leviticus 19:31 warns, “Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God.” [NLT]

 

Saul was in an anxious position. The prophet Samuel was dead and he faced an important battle with the Philistines. Saul first seeks the Lord, “And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets.” [1 Samuel 28:6 ESV] Receiving silence, a seemingly panicked Saul turns to the dark side, “Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.” [1 Samuel 28:7 ESV]

 

Saul is in this position because of his broken relationship with God. He would not obey the Lord, and he seized Samuel so hard, he tore his robe. His motivation is generally attributed to pride. God took the kingdom from Saul and replaced His spirit with an "evil" spirit to torment him (see 1 Samuel 16:14). At this tragic point in life, Saul seeks out a "medium."

 

Literally, the Hebrew reads, "owner of an ob" (translated "medium"). The general idea here is that this "witch" had a spirit or some physical place to contact a spirit. Saul crosses enemy controlled territory, climbs a mountain, and arrives exhausted. In a state that borders on deranged, King Saul insists she call on the spirit of Samuel.

 

It’s here that things get fuzzy. “When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed at Saul, “Why have you tricked me? You are Saul!” [1 Samuel 28:12 CEB] Most Christians would deny that this was actually Samuel. Several reasons lead to this conclusion. First, the theoretical impossibility of communicating with the dead. Second, God would not speak with Saul through approved means, He certainly would not communicate with Saul in this way. King Saul believed it was Samuel, so the text reflects this belief. However, what Saul believed does not make it true.

 

However, she seems genuinely startled and identifies King Saul. One explanation is that this "scream" was part of the act. The riddle of the story is in 1 Samuel 28:13, "The king said to her, "Do not be afraid. What do you see?" And the woman said to Saul, "I see a god coming up out of the earth." [1 Samuel 28:14 ESV] From this, I understand it was not the prophet Samuel despite the appearance speaking as Samuel.

 

God did not show up at the request or manipulation of a medium (traditionally a "witch"). Instead, I think God intervened in the events of Saul’s life. God brings King Saul to the lowest point in his life (so far) to prove a point. It demonstrates God’s ability to take control of any situation, even those we might think of as satanic.

 

The general warning of Saul’s tragic life and end is of a life lived in service to self. It does not end well. Seeking a word from God through satanic sources is disastrous. The next day, Saul will see his beloved son and heir, Johnathan, die. He would commit suicide. His body and those of his slain sons will be fastened like trophies on a city wall. The people will flee the cities. Israel will be plunged into a bloody civil war, while being occupied by the Philistines.