1 Samuel 28:16
Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
Original Language Analysis
וְלָ֖מָּה
H4100
וְלָ֖מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תִּשְׁאָלֵ֑נִי
Wherefore then dost thou ask
H7592
תִּשְׁאָלֵ֑נִי
Wherefore then dost thou ask
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
4 of 9
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
וַֽיהוָ֛ה
of me seeing the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֛ה
of me seeing the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵֽעָלֶ֖יךָ
H5921
מֵֽעָלֶ֖יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The language of God becoming an enemy appears rarely in Scripture and represents the most severe form of divine judgment. This declaration confirmed that Saul's rejection was complete and irreversible, not a temporary discipline but permanent abandonment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for God to become someone's enemy rather than merely withdrawn?
- How does this passage shape your understanding of persistent disobedience's consequences?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Samuel's rhetorical question exposes the futility of Saul's consultation: 'Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee?' The Hebrew 'sar... le'oyev' (departed... become enemy) identifies God not merely as absent but as actively opposed. This devastating declaration removes any hope that Samuel might intercede or reverse divine judgment. The prophet who anointed Saul now confirms that God Himself has become Saul's adversary. No prophetic intervention can help when God opposes.