1 Samuel 28:25
And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.
Original Language Analysis
וַתַּגֵּ֧שׁ
And she brought
H5066
וַתַּגֵּ֧שׁ
And she brought
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
1 of 10
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיָּקֻ֥מוּ
Then they rose up
H6965
וַיָּקֻ֥מוּ
Then they rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
7 of 10
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
H1980
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
The night journey back through or around enemy lines would have been treacherous. Saul's return to Gilboa to lead his army into certain defeat demonstrates either fatalistic acceptance or the last vestiges of royal duty.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we face inevitable outcomes we cannot change?
- What does Saul's return to battle suggest about duty in hopeless circumstances?
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Analysis & Commentary
The departure into the night completes this dark chapter. The phrase 'they rose up, and went away that night' emphasizes the nocturnal setting that has characterized this entire episode. Saul leaves the medium's house to return to his army and face the battle he knows will kill him. No words of hope or encouragement accompany his departure. The meal provided physical strength but could not address his spiritual condition. Saul goes to meet his prophesied death with full knowledge of what awaits.