The account of King Saul consulting the witch of Endor is found in 1 Samuel 28:3–25. This event occurred during a time when Saul was greatly distressed because the Philistines had gathered for war and God was no longer answering him, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor through prophets (1 Samuel 28:5–6).
Though Saul had earlier expelled mediums and spiritists from the land in obedience to God’s law (1 Samuel 28:3; Leviticus 19:31), he now sought one in desperation. His servants told him of a woman at Endor who was a medium. Saul disguised himself and visited her by night, asking her to bring up the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:7–8).
The woman was initially hesitant, fearing punishment. Saul swore an oath that no harm would come to her. When she summoned the spirit, she cried out in fear, realizing it was Saul who had come to her. She saw “an old man… covered with a mantle,” and Saul perceived that it was Samuel (1 Samuel 28:11–14).
Samuel, speaking through the woman’s summoning, rebuked Saul: “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul explained his desperation. Samuel declared that the Lord had departed from Saul and become his enemy. He reminded Saul of his disobedience concerning Amalek and foretold that the kingdom had been given to David. Samuel also prophesied that Saul and his sons would die the next day in battle and that Israel would fall into the hands of the Philistines (1 Samuel 28:16–19).
Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear and physically weak. The woman and his servants urged him to eat, and after some persuasion, he did so and departed (1 Samuel 28:20–25).
This account is a solemn warning against seeking guidance through forbidden means. God had strictly commanded Israel not to consult mediums or necromancers (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). Saul’s disobedience reflected his spiritual decline and separation from God. The message he received only confirmed his impending judgment.
