Saul’s anxiety and the woman’s response emphasize the frailty that results from straying afar from God’s direction.
In “Then the woman came to Saul and saw that he was terrified, and said to him, ‘Behold, your maidservant has obeyed you, and I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.’” (v.21), we witness a poignant moment between King Saul (the first king of Israel, reigning approximately from 1050 BC to 1010 BC) and the medium of En-dor. The scene unfolds after Saul seeks counsel from the woman in the midst of his desperate search for guidance. She observes his fear and addresses him with respect, noting that she has placed herself at great risk by complying with his request. This underscores the serious nature of their meeting, because Saul had previously outlawed all who practice necromancy (1 Samuel 28:3-9), making her willingness to help him a hazard to her own life.
Geographically, En-dor was a village located in the Jezreel Valley region, believed to be on the northern slope of the Hill of Moreh and near Mount Tabor. This area was significant for various Old Testament events, including battles and pivotal gatherings of Israel. The woman from En-dor is sometimes called the “witch” of En-dor, but in 1 Samuel 28:21 we see a more nuanced portrayal of her: she is both aware of the risks of her actions and surprisingly compassionate toward the weakened king. The mention that she “took her life in her hand” highlights the bravery of her decision to cooperate with Saul, in contrast to Saul’s disobedience toward God. Her statement parallels the theme throughout Scripture where people, even those outside the mainstream of Israel, can become instruments in God’s unfolding purposes (see Matthew 1:5 for another example of an unexpected person used in the lineage of Jesus).
Saul’s lack of reliance on the Lord’s instruction culminates in this dire situation, setting the stage for the tragic end of his reign (1 Chronicles 10:13).
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1 Samuel 28:21 meaning
In “Then the woman came to Saul and saw that he was terrified, and said to him, ‘Behold, your maidservant has obeyed you, and I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.’” (v.21), we witness a poignant moment between King Saul (the first king of Israel, reigning approximately from 1050 BC to 1010 BC) and the medium of En-dor. The scene unfolds after Saul seeks counsel from the woman in the midst of his desperate search for guidance. She observes his fear and addresses him with respect, noting that she has placed herself at great risk by complying with his request. This underscores the serious nature of their meeting, because Saul had previously outlawed all who practice necromancy (1 Samuel 28:3-9), making her willingness to help him a hazard to her own life.
Geographically, En-dor was a village located in the Jezreel Valley region, believed to be on the northern slope of the Hill of Moreh and near Mount Tabor. This area was significant for various Old Testament events, including battles and pivotal gatherings of Israel. The woman from En-dor is sometimes called the “witch” of En-dor, but in 1 Samuel 28:21 we see a more nuanced portrayal of her: she is both aware of the risks of her actions and surprisingly compassionate toward the weakened king. The mention that she “took her life in her hand” highlights the bravery of her decision to cooperate with Saul, in contrast to Saul’s disobedience toward God. Her statement parallels the theme throughout Scripture where people, even those outside the mainstream of Israel, can become instruments in God’s unfolding purposes (see Matthew 1:5 for another example of an unexpected person used in the lineage of Jesus).
Saul’s lack of reliance on the Lord’s instruction culminates in this dire situation, setting the stage for the tragic end of his reign (1 Chronicles 10:13).