The Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel.
Night preceding battle
As the flash of lightning reveals the hidden scenery around, so the reception of momentous news suddenly reveals character. Two such events we trace--the news of the terrible defeat brought to Saul, and the news of Saul’s death brought to David. Leading his people to meet the Philistines, at whose number he is astonished and affrighted, we come upon Saul as his army is encamped on the slopes of Gilboa. We notice:--
I. Divine direction sought (1 Samuel 28:6). In all former difficulties Saul had sought Samuel. The prophet’s voice was hushed. Few estimate faithful advisers at their value. Saul had no Samuel now. He knew not God. His desolateness is indescribable. His own hand had closed the avenues along which the angel of mercy had been wont to come. Yet, as Cowper says, “In agony nature is no atheist;” so this desolate and moody man kneels to God! Self-will, pride, resentment lurk in his petition (1 Samuel 28:15). He has no wish to know God’s will, only how he may be successful! Complaints against God’s dealings--there is no prayer in such words! Is it ever any use coming thus to seek God’s help? Merely for our own selfish ends, asking the Divine One to become partner in our self-seeking purposes! Come, let us hold our prayers up to the light! Not everyone that saith, “Lord, Lord,” will enter into the Kingdom. Unable to bear the silence, Saul exhibits the--
II. Desperate defiance of disobedience. In those days when his vision was clear and his heart open to Divine teaching he abhorred this sin. Driven by fear, jealousy, and pride, refusing to humble himself before God, he sends his servant to find “one that hath a familiar spirit” (1 Samuel 28:7). Superstition takes the place of obedient faith. The four theories concerning this scene may thus be summarised--
(1) that Samuel actually appeared by the Divine will;
(2) that Saul was then granted a vision by Divine power, in which he saw, as in a dream, the prophet;
(3) that which attributes it to Satanic agency; and the last, that it was an imposture conceived and carried out by Abner and his mother. The narrative itself seems clearly to establish the fact of Samuel’s appearance. Samuel’s reply is a refusal! In solemn words Samuel reminds Saul of the removal of God’s favour: “The Lord is on the side of thy neighbour” (1 Samuel 28:16). The Lord keepeth His word, and hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand (1 Samuel 28:17). “Death and disaster are thy portion” (1 Samuel 28:18-19). Could a greater proof be given of God’s refusal to hear.
III. Disobedience ends in disaster. Did not our fathers fall in the wilderness through unbelief? Is that not why so many fail to enter the life of joy?
1. Disobedience produced direst misery. In the path of disobedience we become targets for the archers of Satan.
2. Disobedience culminated in suicide. The inhabitants of hell are surely suicides. “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself. Ye would not come unto Me, that ye might have life.” (H. E. Stone.)