1 Samuel 28:7
Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
1 Samuel 28:7 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, King Saul is in a desperate situation. He is about to face a battle against the Philistines, and he is feeling anxious and uneasy. In his distress, he turns to a forbidden practice, seeking out a woman with a familiar spirit at Endor. The term 'familiar spirit' refers to a spirit or demon that is believed to assist a person in communicating with the dead or predict the future. This act goes against the teachings of the Bible, as seeking guidance from mediums or those with familiar spirits is strictly prohibited. The fact that Saul, as a king of Israel, turns to such practices shows his lack of faith in God and his desperation to seek answers through unconventional means. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking guidance from sources outside of God's will, and the consequences that can follow.
Theological Overview
In the book of 1 Samuel, King Saul finds himself in a desperate situation as he prepares to face the Philistine army in battle. Fearing for the outcome of the impending war, Saul seeks out a woman with a familiar spirit in order to inquire of her. This verse has prompted much theological interpretation and discussion among scholars and theologians. Some view Saul's actions as a sign of his desperation and lack of trust in God's guidance. Seeking out a medium with a familiar spirit was forbidden in the Old Testament, as it goes against God's commandments. Additionally, the use of mediums and familiar spirits is often associated with witchcraft and pagan practices, which are condemned in the Bible. Saul's decision to consult a woman with a familiar spirit highlights his disobedience to God and his reliance on worldly means for guidance.
1 Samuel 28:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.
World English Bible
Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek me a woman who has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her.” His servants said to him, “Behold, there is a woman who has a familiar spirit at Endor.”
Douay-Rheims
And Saul said to his servants: Seek me a woman that hath a divining spirit, and I will go to her, and enquire by her. And his servants said to him: There is a woman that hath a divining spirit at Endor.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then saide Saul vnto his seruants, Seeke me a woman that hath a familiar spirite, that I may goe to her, and aske of her. And his seruants said to him, Beholde, there is a woman at En-dor that hath a familiar spirit.