1 Samuel 28:21
And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֖רֶא
and saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֖רֶא
and saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִבְהַ֣ל
troubled
H926
נִבְהַ֣ל
troubled
Strong's:
H926
Word #:
7 of 23
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
מְאֹ֑ד
that he was sore
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
that he was sore
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙
and have hearkened
H8085
וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙
and have hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 23
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙
unto him Behold thine handmaid
H8198
שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙
unto him Behold thine handmaid
Strong's:
H8198
Word #:
13 of 23
a female slave (as a member of the household)
וָֽאָשִׂ֤ים
and I have put
H7760
וָֽאָשִׂ֤ים
and I have put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
15 of 23
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
נַפְשִׁי֙
my life
H5315
נַפְשִׁי֙
my life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּכַפִּ֔י
in my hand
H3709
בְּכַפִּ֔י
in my hand
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
17 of 23
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙
and have hearkened
H8085
וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙
and have hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
18 of 23
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבָרֶ֔יךָ
unto thy words
H1697
דְּבָרֶ֔יךָ
unto thy words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
20 of 23
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
21 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Judges 12:3And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me?Job 13:14Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand?1 Samuel 19:5For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
Historical Context
The medium's hospitality, despite her initial fear, follows ancient Near Eastern customs of care for guests. Her willingness to feed Saul before his final battle provides a poignant contrast to the silence of heaven.
Questions for Reflection
- How do unexpected sources sometimes provide comfort when legitimate channels fail us?
- What does it suggest when those outside the faith show more compassion than those within?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The medium's compassion toward the broken king presents an unexpected humanizing moment. She who risked her life for Saul's illegal request now shows concern for his welfare. Her statement 'I have put my life in my hand' (Hebrew: 'nafshy bekhappy') acknowledges the danger she accepted. This pagan woman demonstrates more practical care for Saul than he has received from legitimate spiritual sources. The irony is sharp: a necromancer extends kindness to the king whose prophets and God have abandoned him.