There are a couple of themes in this passage that point to the importance of not just praying to God but listening for God’s response and acting accordingly. Saul is facing a battle with the Philistine army and is overwhelmed by that prospect. He seeks God’s guidance but doesn’t hear God’s response or at least doesn’t like this answer. Following the death of Samuel, Saul banned all mediums and anyone who would consult the dead from Israel. This was a commandment from God and outwardly Saul was obeying this command.
However, when Saul didn’t get an answer, he decided to consult a medium in desperation. Saul knew this was wrong but thought it was his only option. The medium saw the spirit of Samuel who went on to give a pretty dire forecast for Saul and his army. Samuel explained that Saul and his army were doomed because he had not followed God’s command to destroy the Amalekites. This is another example of Saul ignoring God’s command and then questioning the outcome that results from his disobedience.
The question becomes the difference between knowing what is right, saying what is right, and doing what is right. Saul knew God’s command specifically forbade any attempts to contact the spirits of the dead. He outwardly carried out this commandment but when he needed an answer and couldn’t find it on his own, he went against this command.
Questions for reflection:
- Considering some of the rules you have established for yourself or your family, are there circumstances where your actions don’t align with your words? How have you justified that and why?
- We believe that God answers every prayer. The possible answers are ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ and ‘not right now.’ Consider a time when you have prayed on a topic and didn’t receive an answer right away (or maybe just didn’t receive the answer you were hoping or expecting). How did that feel?