Saul’s dire collapse on the ground reflects a tragic fall from favor, revealing how disobedience and desperation led him to fearfully face his own demise.
Then Saul immediately fell full length upon the ground and was very afraid because of the words of Samuel; also there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no food all day and all night (v.20). At this point in King Saul’s life (circa 1050-1010 BC), he had grown desperate for guidance in battle, since the LORD had ceased responding to him through prophets, dreams, or the Urim (1 Samuel 28:6). Hoping to discover what fate awaited him and Israel, he journeyed to the northern region of Endor, near the valley of Jezreel, to consult a medium. When the deceased prophet Samuel appeared and announced that Saul would be defeated by the Philistines, the king collapsed upon hearing that God’s judgment would bring death to him and his sons the very next day.
Saul’s decision to defy God’s commands by seeking counsel from a medium underscored his estranged relationship with the LORD. Originally anointed by the prophet Samuel, Saul began his kingship with promise, but disobedience and pride gradually eroded his standing in God’s eyes. In prior passages, Saul had attempted to inquire of God in proper ways, but the LORD remained silent, leaving Saul spiritually isolated. His actions in 1 Samuel 28 highlight the tragic consequences of turning away from divine guidance and attempting to manipulate God’s will on his own terms.
When Samuel’s stark pronouncement declared imminent defeat, Saul lost all bodily strength, having eaten nothing for an extended period. Hunger and fear combined to overpower him as he lay on the ground in trembling despair. Although Saul had once stood tall and mighty among the tribes of Israel, his final descent demonstrates the fragility of human power before the sovereign judgment of God. From this point forward, his kingship would come to a devastating end on the battlefield, reflecting the fulfillment of Samuel’s prediction.
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1 Samuel 28:20 meaning
Then Saul immediately fell full length upon the ground and was very afraid because of the words of Samuel; also there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no food all day and all night (v.20). At this point in King Saul’s life (circa 1050-1010 BC), he had grown desperate for guidance in battle, since the LORD had ceased responding to him through prophets, dreams, or the Urim (1 Samuel 28:6). Hoping to discover what fate awaited him and Israel, he journeyed to the northern region of Endor, near the valley of Jezreel, to consult a medium. When the deceased prophet Samuel appeared and announced that Saul would be defeated by the Philistines, the king collapsed upon hearing that God’s judgment would bring death to him and his sons the very next day.
Saul’s decision to defy God’s commands by seeking counsel from a medium underscored his estranged relationship with the LORD. Originally anointed by the prophet Samuel, Saul began his kingship with promise, but disobedience and pride gradually eroded his standing in God’s eyes. In prior passages, Saul had attempted to inquire of God in proper ways, but the LORD remained silent, leaving Saul spiritually isolated. His actions in 1 Samuel 28 highlight the tragic consequences of turning away from divine guidance and attempting to manipulate God’s will on his own terms.
When Samuel’s stark pronouncement declared imminent defeat, Saul lost all bodily strength, having eaten nothing for an extended period. Hunger and fear combined to overpower him as he lay on the ground in trembling despair. Although Saul had once stood tall and mighty among the tribes of Israel, his final descent demonstrates the fragility of human power before the sovereign judgment of God. From this point forward, his kingship would come to a devastating end on the battlefield, reflecting the fulfillment of Samuel’s prediction.