This verse describes a caring moment in a dark chapter of Saul’s life.
So now also, please listen to the voice of your maidservant, and let me set a piece of bread before you, that you may eat and have strength when you go on your way (v.22). Here, the medium at Endor, sometimes called the witch of Endor, pleads with King Saul, the ruler of Israel from about 1050 BC to 1010 BC, to fortify himself with bread before he leaves. Saul’s fear and exhaustion had overwhelmed him after he witnessed a vision of the deceased prophet Samuel pronouncing dire news. The geographical setting is near Philistine territory, deep in a region removed from Saul’s normal seat of authority. In his desperation—seeking guidance when the LORD no longer answered him—Saul comes to the woman at Endor, who then offers him physical sustenance.
By telling Saul, please listen to the voice of your maidservant (v.22), she shows concern for his welfare despite their unusual circumstance. This woman likely had reason to fear Saul, because he had removed mediums and spiritists by decree (1 Samuel 28:3). Yet she offers Saul the kindness of meeting his physical need for strength. This request also underscores a broader principle found throughout scripture: even in the midst of disobedience or spiritual darkness, small mercies—such as nourishment—are still extended. Saul’s acceptance of this bread would give him enough strength to depart, though his spiritual condition remained dire (1 Samuel 28:23-25). It points to the reality that even when our hearts stray, basic human compassion continues under God’s common grace Proverbs 25:21).
In the final analysis, the woman’s plea and Saul’s reluctance to eat bring to light a moment of human vulnerability. So now also, please listen (v.22), she said, beckoning him to receive care in his weakest and most fearful moment. Though Saul’s narrative takes a tragic turn, the same God who once delivered Israel from bondage continues to provide kindness and aid, showing how His grace can appear in unexpected places (Psalm 34:18; Luke 6:35).
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1 Samuel 28:22 meaning
So now also, please listen to the voice of your maidservant, and let me set a piece of bread before you, that you may eat and have strength when you go on your way (v.22). Here, the medium at Endor, sometimes called the witch of Endor, pleads with King Saul, the ruler of Israel from about 1050 BC to 1010 BC, to fortify himself with bread before he leaves. Saul’s fear and exhaustion had overwhelmed him after he witnessed a vision of the deceased prophet Samuel pronouncing dire news. The geographical setting is near Philistine territory, deep in a region removed from Saul’s normal seat of authority. In his desperation—seeking guidance when the LORD no longer answered him—Saul comes to the woman at Endor, who then offers him physical sustenance.
By telling Saul, please listen to the voice of your maidservant (v.22), she shows concern for his welfare despite their unusual circumstance. This woman likely had reason to fear Saul, because he had removed mediums and spiritists by decree (1 Samuel 28:3). Yet she offers Saul the kindness of meeting his physical need for strength. This request also underscores a broader principle found throughout scripture: even in the midst of disobedience or spiritual darkness, small mercies—such as nourishment—are still extended. Saul’s acceptance of this bread would give him enough strength to depart, though his spiritual condition remained dire (1 Samuel 28:23-25). It points to the reality that even when our hearts stray, basic human compassion continues under God’s common grace Proverbs 25:21).
In the final analysis, the woman’s plea and Saul’s reluctance to eat bring to light a moment of human vulnerability. So now also, please listen (v.22), she said, beckoning him to receive care in his weakest and most fearful moment. Though Saul’s narrative takes a tragic turn, the same God who once delivered Israel from bondage continues to provide kindness and aid, showing how His grace can appear in unexpected places (Psalm 34:18; Luke 6:35).