1 Samuel 28:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 28:13
13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 28 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, wisdom, worship. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 28:13
13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
Analysis
Saul's question about what the woman sees and her response create one of the most mysterious scenes in Scripture. Her description of 'gods ascending out of the earth' (Hebrew: 'elohim olim min-ha'aretz') uses the plural 'elohim,' which can mean gods, divine beings, or God. This ambiguous language may reflect her pagan framework for understanding what she sees. The apparition arising from the earth locates the dead in Sheol, the subterranean realm of Hebrew cosmology.
Historical Context
The term 'elohim' appears variously in Scripture referring to God, gods, angels, or supernatural beings generally. The woman's use of it here likely reflects Canaanite religious vocabulary rather than precise theological categories. Her perception was filtered through her pagan framework.
Reflection
- How does our worldview shape how we interpret supernatural experiences?
- What does the ambiguity of this account suggest about human perception of divine activity?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)