1 Samuel, Chapter 28:
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Verses from 1 Samuel, Chapter 28 of the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible.
Saul and the Witch of Endor
- 1. In those days, the Philistines gathered their troops to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, “Know that you and your soldiers will accompany me into the army.”
- 2. David answered Achish, “Then you will see what your servant is capable of.” Achish said, “Very well, I will place you as my permanent personal guard.”
- 3. Samuel had already died, and all Israel had mourned him and buried him in his hometown, Ramah. Saul had expelled mediums and those who consulted spirits from the country.
- 4. When the Philistines gathered, they camped in Shunem, while Saul gathered all the Israelites and camped in Gilboa.
- 5. Upon seeing the Philistine camp, Saul was terrified and filled with fear.
- 6. He sought guidance from the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him either through dreams, or through Urim, or through prophets.
- 7. Then Saul said to his assistants, “Find a woman who can summon spirits so that I can consult her.” They replied, “There is one in Endor.”
- 8. Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and went at night, with two men, to the woman's house. He said to her, “Call upon me a spirit and cause the one whose name I speak to be manifested.”
- 9. The woman replied, “You know what Saul did, how he eliminated mediums and those who consult spirits throughout the land of Israel. Why are you setting a trap against me, to lead me to death?”
- 10. Saul swore to him by the Lord, “As the Lord lives, you will not suffer any punishment for this.”
- 11. The woman asked, “Who should I bring up to you?” He replied, “Samuel.”
- 12. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out and said to Saul, “Why did you deceive me? You really are Saul!”
- 13. The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?" The woman replied: “I see a being that is rising from the ground.”
- 14. Saul asked, “What does he look like?” The woman replied: “I see an old man wrapped in a cloak who is ascending.” Then Saul understood that it was Samuel and fell face down on the ground.
- 15. Samuel asked Saul, “Why did you disturb me by bringing me up?” Saul replied: “I am in deep distress. The Philistines are attacking me, and God has turned away from me. He does not answer me either through prophets or through dreams. That’s why I called you to tell me what I should do.”
- 16. Samuel said, “Why did you call me, since the Lord has turned away from you and become your enemy?
- 17. The Lord did what he foretold through me: he took the kingdom out of his hands and gave it to his neighbor, David.
- 18. Because you did not obey the Lord and execute His wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord is doing this to you today.
- 19. The Lord will deliver you and the people of Israel into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your children will be with me. The Lord will also deliver the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”
- 20. At that moment, Saul fell to the ground, frightened by Samuel's words. He was without strength, as he had spent the entire day and the previous night without eating.
- 21. When the woman came to Saul and saw that he was deeply troubled, she said, “Behold, your servant has obeyed you. I risked my life by doing what you ordered me.
- 22. Now, please listen to me and eat something so that you have the strength to continue on your way.”
- 23. He refused and said, “I will not eat.” However, his men and woman insisted, and he listened to them. He got up from the floor and sat on the bed.
- 24. The woman quickly killed a fat calf that she had in the house, took some flour, kneaded it and made unleavened bread.
- 25. Then she served Saul and his men, and they ate. And that same night they left.
