1 Samuel 28:11
Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִ֖י
H4310
מִ֖י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
4 of 11
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
הַֽעֲלִי
Bring me up
H5927
הַֽעֲלִי
Bring me up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 11
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern concepts of the afterlife generally placed the dead in a shadowy underworld from which they could sometimes be summoned. Israel shared this general cosmology while prohibiting necromantic practices. Samuel's appearance represents a unique divine intervention rather than normal spiritist activity.
Questions for Reflection
- What relationships or connections do we desperately seek to restore when facing crisis?
- How does loss reveal what we truly valued or depended upon?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Saul's request to 'bring up Samuel' reveals his continued attachment to the prophet who had anointed and later rejected him. The Hebrew 'ha'ali' (bring up) assumes Samuel is in Sheol, the realm of the dead. Saul seeks from death what he could not obtain in life: prophetic guidance. This desperate attempt to reconnect with Samuel represents Saul's acknowledgment that he has lost his only reliable divine connection. The tragedy deepens as we witness a king seeking the dead prophet he once frustrated.