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.
Ver. 3. Now Samuel was dead.] See 1 Samuel 25:1 .
And all Israel had lamented him.] This is one of the dues of the dead - viz., to be sowed in the earth, and watered with tears. Mors mea ne careat lachrymis.
And buried him in Ramah.] The bodies of the saints, being the temples of the Holy Ghost, should with reverence be commended and committed unto Christian sepulture, in hope of the resurrection.
And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits.] This he had done, according to Lev 19:31 Leviticus 20:6; Leviticus 20:27, at the beginning of his reign, say some, or else when for a show of his great zeal he slew the Gibeonites, 2Sa 21:1 as others hold. His seeking to these kind of creatures again therefore in his extremity, was a sin against conscience; it was point blank against verity, equity, and piety, as Junius observeth.