1 Samuel 28:3
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
Original Language Analysis
מֵ֔ת
was dead
H4191
מֵ֔ת
was dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
2 of 15
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וַיִּסְפְּדוּ
had lamented
H5594
וַיִּסְפְּדוּ
had lamented
Strong's:
H5594
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
and all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
and all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּבְעִיר֑וֹ
even in his own city
H5892
וּבְעִיר֑וֹ
even in his own city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְשָׁא֗וּל
And Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֗וּל
And Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
10 of 15
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
הָֽאֹב֥וֹת
those that had familiar spirits
H178
הָֽאֹב֥וֹת
those that had familiar spirits
Strong's:
H178
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Leviticus 19:31Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.Leviticus 20:27A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.1 Samuel 25:1And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran.Exodus 22:18Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
Historical Context
Samuel's death (1 Samuel 25:1) left Saul without his primary prophetic advisor, despite their estranged relationship. The purge of mediums and spiritists implemented Deuteronomy 18:10-11's prohibition, making Saul's coming action a direct violation of both divine and royal law.
Questions for Reflection
- What protections or convictions have you violated in moments of desperation?
- How does previous obedience make later disobedience more serious?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The narrative shifts to Saul, establishing the desperate context for his forbidden consultation. The note that 'Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him' removes any legitimate prophetic voice from Saul's life. The ironic detail that 'Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land' establishes that Saul himself had enforced the prohibition he is about to violate. His earlier obedience to this command makes his coming transgression more deliberate and condemning.