1 Samuel 28:23
But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וַיִּפְרְצוּ
compelled
H6555
וַיִּפְרְצוּ
compelled
Strong's:
H6555
Word #:
5 of 16
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע
him and he hearkened
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע
him and he hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
10 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
So he arose
H6965
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
So he arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
12 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
מֵֽהָאָ֔רֶץ
from the earth
H776
מֵֽהָאָ֔רֶץ
from the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
13 of 16
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Historical Context
The verb 'compelled' (parats) implies forceful persuasion, breaking through Saul's resistance. The bed (mittah) may have been the woman's own, suggesting she gave her best accommodation to the doomed king.
Questions for Reflection
- When have others had to break through your despair to provide basic care?
- How do we respond to those paralyzed by circumstances beyond their control?
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Analysis & Commentary
Saul's initial refusal to eat ('I will not eat') reflects the paralysis of despair. The servants and woman together 'compelled him' (Hebrew: 'wayyifrets-u-vo'), using a verb suggesting breaking through resistance. Saul's eventual compliance ('he hearkened unto their voice... arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed') shows him accepting minimal restoration before his final battle. The image of the condemned king sitting on a bed in a medium's house captures the complete collapse of his majesty.