1 Samuel 28:12
And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתִּזְעַ֖ק
she cried
H2199
וַתִּזְעַ֖ק
she cried
Strong's:
H2199
Word #:
5 of 16
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
גָּד֑וֹל
with a loud
H1419
גָּד֑וֹל
with a loud
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
7 of 16
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
שָׁאֽוּל׃
me for thou art Saul
H7586
שָׁאֽוּל׃
me for thou art Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
11 of 16
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
לָ֥מָּה
H4100
לָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
Scholars debate whether this was truly Samuel or a demonic impersonation. The narrative presents it as Samuel, and the prophecy proves accurate. Most Reformed interpreters see this as a unique divine act, permitting Samuel's appearance to deliver final judgment on Saul.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you understand this unusual supernatural event within the biblical narrative?
- What does it suggest when even practitioners of deception encounter something genuine?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The woman's terrified cry when she 'saw Samuel' suggests something unexpected occurred. The Hebrew 'watiz'aq beqol gadol' (cried with a loud voice) indicates genuine shock. Her immediate recognition that her client is Saul implies that Samuel's actual appearance (rather than a demonic counterfeit) conveyed information she could not have anticipated. Most interpreters understand this as an exceptional divine intervention where God actually permitted Samuel's appearance, surprising even the medium accustomed to deception.