This verse demonstrates how fear and desperation can cause contradicting behaviors in biblical figures.
“But the woman said to him, ‘Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those who are mediums and spiritists from the land. Why are you then laying a snare for my life to bring about my death?’” (v.9) In this pivotal scene, the woman from Endor expresses her fear of King Saul’s directive against necromancy and other forbidden practices. Endor itself was a small town located in the region traditionally associated with the tribe of Manasseh, though near the territories of Issachar, in the northern part of ancient Israel. She is justifiably concerned because “he has cut off those who are mediums and spiritists from the land” (v.9), and she risks her life in offering services that contradict the king’s public decree. Although Saul (who reigned around 1050-1010 BC) sought to destroy all forms of witchcraft, on this occasion he comes to her secretly, a sign of his desperation in seeking guidance outside the boundaries that the Lord had established (1 Chronicles 10:13).
When the woman asks, “Why are you then laying a snare for my life to bring about my death?” (v.9), she reveals the danger she senses in performing this service. This tension highlights Saul’s complicated spiritual state: the same man who once rightly opposed mediums now pursues one. Historically, King Saul was the first monarch of a united Israel, before David came into prominence (1 Samuel 16:13). His inconsistent devotion illustrates humanity’s tendency to waver from faithfulness, a contrast to the perfect faith and constancy to which the New Testament points in the person of Jesus (Hebrews 13:8).
Through this verse, we witness a sobering example of how fear and desperation can lead people to abandon their previously held convictions. The woman is essentially stating her predicament: If she complies, she faces death because of Saul’s edict; if she refuses, she risks angering the one seeking her help. This moment reflects the peril of substituting God’s guidance with forbidden methods. It underscores why Scripture continually encourages believers to seek the Lord wholeheartedly, a call that Jesus reiterates when He invites people to rely on Him alone (Matthew 11:28-30).
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1 Samuel 28:9 meaning
“But the woman said to him, ‘Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those who are mediums and spiritists from the land. Why are you then laying a snare for my life to bring about my death?’” (v.9) In this pivotal scene, the woman from Endor expresses her fear of King Saul’s directive against necromancy and other forbidden practices. Endor itself was a small town located in the region traditionally associated with the tribe of Manasseh, though near the territories of Issachar, in the northern part of ancient Israel. She is justifiably concerned because “he has cut off those who are mediums and spiritists from the land” (v.9), and she risks her life in offering services that contradict the king’s public decree. Although Saul (who reigned around 1050-1010 BC) sought to destroy all forms of witchcraft, on this occasion he comes to her secretly, a sign of his desperation in seeking guidance outside the boundaries that the Lord had established (1 Chronicles 10:13).
When the woman asks, “Why are you then laying a snare for my life to bring about my death?” (v.9), she reveals the danger she senses in performing this service. This tension highlights Saul’s complicated spiritual state: the same man who once rightly opposed mediums now pursues one. Historically, King Saul was the first monarch of a united Israel, before David came into prominence (1 Samuel 16:13). His inconsistent devotion illustrates humanity’s tendency to waver from faithfulness, a contrast to the perfect faith and constancy to which the New Testament points in the person of Jesus (Hebrews 13:8).
Through this verse, we witness a sobering example of how fear and desperation can lead people to abandon their previously held convictions. The woman is essentially stating her predicament: If she complies, she faces death because of Saul’s edict; if she refuses, she risks angering the one seeking her help. This moment reflects the peril of substituting God’s guidance with forbidden methods. It underscores why Scripture continually encourages believers to seek the Lord wholeheartedly, a call that Jesus reiterates when He invites people to rely on Him alone (Matthew 11:28-30).