We also see here in this chapter the beginning of David's unabated violence that lead to his disqualification from being God's instrument in building the temple later in his life. God never punishes us for what we do in obedience to Him. David conquered much at the behest of God but here among the Philistines, we see him slaughtering innocent people to cover up his own deceptive practices, a tragic flaw that haunts him again in the Bathsheba narrative.
Finally, for this chapter, in verse 11 we are given a poignant lesson in leadership: being desperate for the deference of others always leaves us vulnerable to deception.
So what is up with a witch being able to conjure up Samuel from eternity to communicate directly with Saul? Was this actually a deceptive demon, did this necromancer really have power to control a prophet who was now dead, was it all just a delusion given Saul's poor health and famished state? We really don't know ultimately...but I will share my humble opinion. I believe this really was Saul. We know that through divine intervention, there can be communication with saints of old. Take the account of Jesus, James, and John in Mark 9 communicating with Moses and Elijah. However, the key is DIVINE INTERVENTION and not witchcraft. The critical part of the 1 Samuel text that leads to my belief is in verse 13. In the NASB translation, the medium describes what she sees as a "divine being coming up out of the earth." I believe this description is essential because it tells us that Samuel is not being controlled by a dark art but rather he is being sent by God. Does witchcraft exist? Does demonic activity occur? I believe yes. But nothing of Satan's realm has any power over the people of God, ever.
A quick note about today's reading in the NT, Luke 13. At the start, Jesus challenges the mentality that says bad things only happen to people who are being judged by God for doing bad things. As Jesus clearly points out, the great flaw in this line of thinking is not just in mis-judging those who are suffering, but also, in so doing, we mis-judge ourselves. This line of thinking leaves us vulnerable to mistaking God's grace for our own sinfulness as divine approval.
Go to church this weekend!!
Pastor Fred
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