This verse demonstrates how rejecting God’s authority leads to separation and loss.
“Samuel said, ‘Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary?’” (v.16) Here, Samuel, who was Israel’s last judge and a prophet around the late 11th century BC to the early 10th century BC, addresses Saul. Saul served as the first king of Israel (ca. 1050-1010 BC). Earlier in 1 Samuel 28, Saul sought counsel from a spirit medium in Endor, a location in the land of Israel north of the Hill of Moreh, in desperation to hear from the deceased prophet Samuel. By this point, Saul had already lost the LORD’s favor (1 Samuel 15), so Samuel’s words arrive here as a rebuke, stressing that the divine presence had departed from Saul because of his disobedience.
When Samuel says, “Why then do you ask me…?” (v.16), he challenges Saul’s attempt to seek shortcuts for guidance. The question underscores the futility of seeking divine revelation from the departed prophet, given that “the LORD has...become your adversary” (v.16). This harsh statement reveals how far Saul has fallen from his anointed position. Saul once walked in step with God, but now he lacks direct access to divine wisdom. The mention of “adversary” suggests that God’s judgment is no longer delayed, foreshadowing the tragic end to Saul’s reign.
The verse also points to the broad biblical principle that genuine obedience and closeness with God cannot be replaced by external rituals or last-minute efforts Hosea 6:6). It serves as a cautionary example echoed in the New Testament: a believer’s relationship with God must be rooted in faithful fellowship, as Jesus teaches in John 15:4-5. Saul’s choice to turn away from the LORD leads to his isolation, showing that a hardened heart can bring about the very separation from God that one fears.
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1 Samuel 28:16 meaning
“Samuel said, ‘Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary?’” (v.16) Here, Samuel, who was Israel’s last judge and a prophet around the late 11th century BC to the early 10th century BC, addresses Saul. Saul served as the first king of Israel (ca. 1050-1010 BC). Earlier in 1 Samuel 28, Saul sought counsel from a spirit medium in Endor, a location in the land of Israel north of the Hill of Moreh, in desperation to hear from the deceased prophet Samuel. By this point, Saul had already lost the LORD’s favor (1 Samuel 15), so Samuel’s words arrive here as a rebuke, stressing that the divine presence had departed from Saul because of his disobedience.
When Samuel says, “Why then do you ask me…?” (v.16), he challenges Saul’s attempt to seek shortcuts for guidance. The question underscores the futility of seeking divine revelation from the departed prophet, given that “the LORD has...become your adversary” (v.16). This harsh statement reveals how far Saul has fallen from his anointed position. Saul once walked in step with God, but now he lacks direct access to divine wisdom. The mention of “adversary” suggests that God’s judgment is no longer delayed, foreshadowing the tragic end to Saul’s reign.
The verse also points to the broad biblical principle that genuine obedience and closeness with God cannot be replaced by external rituals or last-minute efforts Hosea 6:6). It serves as a cautionary example echoed in the New Testament: a believer’s relationship with God must be rooted in faithful fellowship, as Jesus teaches in John 15:4-5. Saul’s choice to turn away from the LORD leads to his isolation, showing that a hardened heart can bring about the very separation from God that one fears.