1 Samuel 28:1-6

28¹ Now it came about in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed camps for war , to fight against Israel . And Achish said to David , "Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the camp , you and your men ." ² David said to Achish , "Very well , you shall know what your servant can do ." So Achish said to David , "Very well , I will make you my bodyguard e for life e ."

Saul and the Medium at En-dor

³ Now Samuel was dead , and all Israel had lamented him and buried him in Ramah , his own city . And Saul had removed from the land those who were mediums and spiritists . ⁴ So the Philistines gathered together and came and camped in Shunem ; and Saul gathered all Israel together and they camped in Gilboa . ⁵ When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines , he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly . ⁶ When Saul inquired of the Lord , the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets .

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Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:1-6

Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:1-6

(Read 1 Samuel 28:1-6)

David could not refuse Achish without danger. If he promised assistance, and then stood neuter, or went over to the Israelites, he would behave with ingratitude and treachery. If he fought against Israel, he would sin greatly. It seemed impossible that he should get out of this difficulty with a clear conscience; but his evasive answer, intended to gain time, was not consistent with the character of an Israelite indeed. Troubles are terrors to the children of disobedience. In his distress, Saul inquired of the Lord. He did not seek in faith, but with a double, unstable mind. Saul had put the law in force against those that had familiar spirits, Exodus 22:18. Many seem zealous against, sin, when they are any way hurt by it, who have no concern for the glory of God, nor any dislike of sin as sin. Many seem enemies to sin in others, while they indulge it in themselves. Saul will drive the devil out of his kingdom, yet harbours him in his heart by envy and malice. How foolish to consult those whom, according to God's law, he had endeavoured to root out!