Saul and the Witch of Endor

Witch of Endor Bible

Story Study

Christianity Oasis provides this Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible study on Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible story. We'll look into all aspects of the Bible seeking truth and understanding.


Daily Bread Devotional Bible Study
The First Book of Samuel
Chapter 28


Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible Saga

The Witch of Endor Bible Events

Welcome to our Christianity Oasis Daily Bread study program. This is our Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible study on the very unusual and spiritually concerning Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible story and how the thought provoking Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible message affects your be-YOU-tiful Christian walk.

Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible Explanation
The Witch of Endor Bible Visit

Hello! Are you anxious for a great Daily Bread story today? Let's find out what's going on in the First Book of Samuel at this point, shall we? During that time, the Philistines gathered their armies to go into war with Israel.

Achish, who thought David was now a supporter of the Philistines, since Saul was after him, approached David and told him, "You're expected to go into battle with me and my men." David responded, "Of course, then you can see for yourself what we can do." Achish replied, "Then I will make you my bodyguard for life."

Remember now that Samuel had died, and all of Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his hometown. Saul, in the meantime had banned all mediums (witches) and psychics from the land.

Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible Truth
The Witch of Endor Bible Concern

So, the Philistines had assembled and set up camp in Shuem; and Saul assembled the army of Israel and set up camp in Gilboa.

When Saul saw how large the Philistine army actually was, he became very afraid. When he asked the Lord for guidance, the Lord didn't answer him, either by dreams, or Urim (this was used by the High Priest to receive guidance from God), nor by Prophets.

You gotta figure that Saul was particularly freaked out because he knew that David was staying in Philistine territory, and that the Lord was with David. He had even stopped pursuing David, so Saul couldn't figure out what in the world was going on. The Philistines must have taken on an added element of fear for Saul.

Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible Message
The Witch of Endor Bible Fear

So, Saul sent his servants to find a witch that he could go and see to get guidance from. Saul obviously knew seeking out a witch was wrong, hence why he banned them from practicing in Israel. But being very impatient and frustrated, he allowed the spirit of fear to overtake him.

Saul's servants came back to him and told him they did find a witch at Endor. So Saul disguised himself and took two men with him to go visit the witch. He told her he needed to talk to a spirit that he would name. The woman told him, "You know that Saul has banned all mediums and psychics from the land. Why are you trying to trap me and get me killed?"

Saul swore to her by the name of the Lord, "As surely as the Lord lives, there will be no punishment for you if you do this thing for me." So the woman asked, "Whose spirit do you want me to call?" Saul responded, "Call up Samuel." And when the woman saw Samuel, she screamed and said to Saul, "Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!"

Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible Tale
The Witch of Endor Bible Warning

He responded, "Don't be afraid. What did you see?" She said, "I see a god (or spirit or ghost) coming out of the earth." "What does he look like?" Saul asked. "An old man wrapped in a robe," she answered, and Saul realized it was indeed Samuel and bowed with his face to the ground.

Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?" Saul answered, "I'm so troubled. The Philistines are declaring war against me, and God has left me and won't answer me, not by Prophets, nor by dreams, so I called for you so you can tell me what I should do."

Then Samuel said, "Why ask me since the Lord has left you? The Lord has done what He said he would do through me. The Lord has taken the kingdom from you and given it to David because you didn't obey Him or carry out His command to kill everyone in Amalek.

Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible Discussion
The Witch of Endor Bible Danger

The Lord will hand over Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will also deliver the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.

At that, Saul fell full length on the ground and was very afraid because of what Samuel had said. He had no strength because he hadn't eaten all that day or night. And the woman came to Saul and saw how troubled he was and said, "Sir, I have obeyed you at the risk of my life. Now please listen to your servant and let me give you some bread to eat so you can have strength when you return on your way."

But Saul refused and said, "I will not eat." But his servants and the woman together convinced him to listen. So Saul got up and sat on the bed (couch). The woman prepared a fatted calf, and baked some unleavened bread and brought it to Saul and his servants. They ate and when they finished they left.

You may want to learn more about what the Bible says about divination (what the witch of Endor did) ... Check out this awesome study:

Saul and the Witch of Endor Bible Summary
The Witch of Endor Bible Conclusion

Don't forget, the Philistines are gearing up to go to battle against Israel, and Saul feels abandoned by God, and Samuel, and he's pretty much having a bad day, so to speak. You'll have to come back soon so we can share the rest of this story together, right here at Daily Bread! I'm so excited to find out what's next ... Aren't you? See you soon!