Samuel was dead: this is mentioned here as the reason why Saul did not inquire of Samuel; which, if he had now been alive, he would have done. In his own city, where he had his birth and education, and most settled habitation, 1 Samuel 19:18. Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards; according to God's command, Leviticus 19:31, Leviticus 20:6,27 Deu 18:11. This he did, either by Samuel's instigation; or from a conceit that the evil spirit came upon him by some of their means; or that he might gain the repute of a religious prince, which was very useful to him; or that he might quiet his troubled conscience, and please God as far as his interest would give him leave. And this is here related, partly to show that a hypocrite and wicked man may obey some of God's commands, and principally to bring in the following history. Out of the land of Israel.
Related Commentaries of 1 Samuel 28:3
1 Samuel 28:3
3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.