3 And Samuel hath died, and all Israel mourn for him, and bury him in Ramah, even in his city, and Saul hath turned aside those having familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
4 And the Philistines are gathered, and come in, and encamp in Shunem, and Saul gathereth all Israel, and they encamp in Gilboa,
5 and Saul seeth the camp of the Philistines, and feareth, and his heart trembleth greatly,
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Samuel 28
Commentary on 1 Samuel 28 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 28
Preparations are herein making for that war which will put an end to the life and reign of Saul, and so make way for David to the throne. In this war,
1Sa 28:1-6
Here is,
1Sa 28:7-14
Here,
1Sa 28:15-19
We have here the conference between Saul and Satan. Saul came in disguise (v. 8), but Satan soon discovered him, v. 12. Satan comes in disguise, in the disguise of Samuel's mantle, and Saul cannot discover him. Such is the disadvantage we labour under, in wrestling with the rulers of the darkness of this world, that they know us, while we are ignorant of their wiles and devices.
1Sa 28:20-25
We are here told how Saul received this terrible message from the ghost he consulted. He desired to be told what he should do (v. 15), but was only told what he had not done and what should be done to him. Those that expect any good counsel or comfort otherwise than from God, and in the way of his institutions, will be as wretchedly disappointed as Saul here was. Observe,