What does 1 Samuel 28:15 mean?
"¶ And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do." - 1 Samuel 28:15

1 Samuel 28:15
The verse 1 Samuel 28:15 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do."
This verse is significant in the context of the story of Saul and the witch of Endor. In the preceding verses, Saul seeks out the witch of Endor to summon the dead prophet Samuel in order to seek guidance and counsel for an upcoming battle with the Philistines. This act is in direct violation of God's commandments, as it is clearly stated in Leviticus 20:27 that, "A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them."
When Samuel is brought up by the witch, he questions Saul's reasoning for disturbing him from his rest. Saul responds by expressing his distress and desperation for the absence of God's guidance in his life.
This verse highlights themes of disobedience, desperation, and the consequences of turning away from God. Saul's path to seeking the counsel of a medium is evidence of his disobedience to God's commands and his desperation for divine guidance in the midst of a challenging situation. It also reveals the consequences of Saul's disobedience, as he is left feeling abandoned by God and unable to receive guidance through prophets or dreams.
The context of this verse is also significant in understanding the broader narrative of Saul's reign as king of Israel. Throughout the book of 1 Samuel, Saul's obedience and disobedience to God's commands are central to the development of his character and the trajectory of his rule. His decision to consult a medium is a clear indication of his departure from God's will and his willingness to seek out alternative sources of guidance.
Additionally, the symbolism in this verse can be interpreted in several ways. Samuel's questioning of Saul's actions serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking God's will instead of turning to unauthorized means of guidance. Saul's distress and feeling of abandonment by God also symbolize the spiritual consequences of turning away from God and seeking worldly solutions to spiritual problems.
Overall, 1 Samuel 28:15 from the King James Version of the Bible is a significant and thought-provoking verse that delves into themes of disobedience, desperation, and the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in all aspects of life.
1 Samuel 28:15 Artwork

1 Samuel 28:15

1 Samuel 28:15-20

1 Samuel 28:15-19

1 Samuel 28:15 Saul is desperate

1 Samuel 28:15 - "¶ And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do."

1 Samuel 28:7

1 Samuel 15:28 - "And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou."

1.samuel 15:30

1.samuel 15:30

1 Samuel 21:10-15

1 Samuel 15:10 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,"

1 Chronicles 6:28 - "And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah."

1 Samuel 7:15 - "And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life."

2 Samuel 15:28 - "See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me."

1 Samuel 15:31 - "So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD."

1 Samuel 15:34 - "¶ Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul."

1 Samuel 3:15 - "¶ And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision."

1 Samuel 28:16 - "Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?"

1 Samuel 9:15 - "¶ Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,"

1 Samuel 28:11 - "Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel."

Genesis 28-15

1 Samuel 18:28 - "¶ And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him."

1 Samuel 15:27 - "And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent."

1 Samuel 28:5 - "And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled."

1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"

1 Samuel 10:15 - "And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you."

1 Samuel 15:14 - "And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?"

1 Samuel 15:5 - "And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley."

1 Samuel 15:1 - "Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD."

1 Samuel 15:13 - "And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD."