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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 28:14 "What does he look like?" asked Saul. "An old man is coming up," she replied. "And he is wearing a robe." So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/28-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/09_1Sa_28_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 28:14 - Saul and the Medium of Endor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="What does he look like? asked Saul. An old man is coming up, she replied. 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Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> “What does he look like?” Saul asked. “He is an old man wrapped in a robe,” she replied. Saul realized it was Samuel, and he fell to the ground before him. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “What does he look like?” asked Saul. “An old man is coming up,” she replied. “And he is wearing a robe.” So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a> So he said to her, “What is his form?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is covered with a mantle.” And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and bowed down. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He said to her, “How does he appear?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> He said to her, &#8220What is his form?&#8221 And she said, &#8220An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped with a robe.&#8221 And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and did homage. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he said to her, “What is his form?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped with a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and did homage. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he said to her, “What is his form?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped with a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, wrapped in a robe.” Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid respect [to him]. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Saul asked her, “What does he look like? ” “An old man is coming up,” she replied. “He’s wearing a robe.” Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he knelt low with his face to the ground and paid homage. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Saul asked her, &#8220What does he look like?&#8221 &#8220An old man is coming up,&#8221 she replied. &#8220He&#8217s wearing a robe.&#8221 Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed his face to the ground and paid homage. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a robe. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "What does it look like?" "It looks like an old man wearing a robe." Saul knew it was Samuel, so he bowed down low. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a robe. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "In what form?" he asked her. She answered, "An old man is coming up, and he's wearing a robe." Then Saul knew it was Samuel. Saul knelt down with his face touching the ground. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> "What does it look like?" he asked. "It's an old man coming up," she answered. "He is wearing a cloak." Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed to the ground in respect. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul told her, "What does he look like?" She said, "An old man is coming up, and he's wrapped in a robe." Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed low to the ground and prostrated himself. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?What does he look like?? asked Saul. ?An old man is coming up,? she replied. ?And he is wearing a robe.? So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence. <a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a> He said to her, "What about his appearance?" She said, "An old man is coming up! He is wrapped in a robe!" Then Saul realized it was Samuel, and he bowed his face toward the ground and kneeled down. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said to her, "What does he look like?" She said, "An old man comes up. He is covered with a robe." Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and showed respect. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said to her, What is his form? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. <a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to her, “What does he look like?” She said, “An old man comes up. He is covered with a robe.” Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and showed respect. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he says to her, “What [is] his form?” And she says, “An aged man is coming up, and he [is] covered with an upper robe”; and Saul knows that he [is] Samuel, and bows—face to her earth—and pays respect. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he saith to her, 'What is his form?' and she saith, 'An aged man is coming up, and he is covered with an upper robe;' and Saul knoweth that he is Samuel, and boweth -- face to thee earth -- and doth obeisance. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say to her, What his form? And she will say, An old man coming up, and he covered with an upper garment. And Saul knew that he Samuel, and he will bow his face to the earth and worship him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said to her: What form is he of? And she said: An old man cometh up, and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul understood that it was Samuel, and he bowed himself with his face to the ground, and adored. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to her, “What appearance does he have?” And she said, “An old man ascends, and he is clothed in a cloak.” And Saul understood that it was Samuel. And he bowed himself upon his face on the ground, and he reverenced. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a> “What does he look like?” asked Saul. “An old man is coming up wrapped in a robe,” she replied. Saul knew that it was Samuel, and so he bowed his face to the ground in homage. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He said to her, “What is his appearance?” She said, “An old man is coming up; he is wrapped in a robe.” So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said to her, What is their appearance? And she said to him, An old man is coming up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and made obeisance. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to her, “What is his appearance?” She said to him: “An old man came up and he was clothed with a cloak.” And Shaul knew that it was Samuel, and he fell on his face on the ground and he worshiped<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he said unto her: 'What form is he of?' And she said: 'An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a robe.' And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and prostrated himself. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he said to her, What didst thou perceive? and she said to him, An upright man ascending out of the earth, and he was clothed with a mantle. And Saul knew that this was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the earth, and did obeisance to him. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8377" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Saul and the Medium of Endor</a> …13“Do not be afraid,” the king replied. “What do you see?” “I see a god coming up out of the earth,” the woman answered. 14<a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/8389.htm" title="8389: tā·’o·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Outline, form. From ta'ar; outline, i.e. Figure or appearance.">does he look like?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked Saul.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: zā·qên (Adj-ms) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">“An old</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ō·leh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">is coming up,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">she replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">“And he is</a> <a href="/hebrew/5844.htm" title="5844: ‘ō·ṭeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To wrap oneself, enwrap, envelop oneself. A primitive root; to wrap, i.e. Cover, veil, cloth, or roll.">wearing</a> <a href="/hebrew/4598.htm" title="4598: mə·‘îl (N-ms) -- A robe. From ma'al in the sense of covering; a robe.">a robe.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">So Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: way·yê·ḏa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knew</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/8050.htm" title="8050: šə·mū·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- Name of God, a prophet of Isr. From the passive participle of shama' and 'el; heard of God; Shemuel, the name of three Israelites.">was Samuel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6915.htm" title="6915: way·yiq·qōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to shrivel up, i.e. Contract or bend the body in deference.">and he bowed</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap·pa·yim (N-md) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">facedown</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·tā·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">in reverence.</a> 15Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a> Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, / casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. / For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you. <a href="/leviticus/19-31.htm">Leviticus 19:31</a> You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. <a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Isaiah 8:19</a> When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? <a href="/1_chronicles/10-13.htm">1 Chronicles 10:13-14</a> So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. <a href="/2_kings/21-6.htm">2 Kings 21:6</a> He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. <a href="/2_chronicles/33-6.htm">2 Chronicles 33:6</a> He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Acts 16:16-18</a> One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. / This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!” / She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment. <a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Matthew 17:1-3</a> After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. <a href="/luke/9-30.htm">Luke 9:30-31</a> Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. / They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. <a href="/mark/9-4.htm">Mark 9:4</a> And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus. <a href="/matthew/14-26.htm">Matthew 14:26</a> When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. <a href="/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37</a> But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit. <a href="/job/7-9.htm">Job 7:9-10</a> As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come back up. / He never returns to his house; his place remembers him no more. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:5-6</a> For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten. / Their love, their hate, and their envy have already vanished, and they will never again have a share in all that is done under the sun. <a href="/isaiah/19-3.htm">Isaiah 19:3</a> Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said to her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man comes up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.<a href="/1_samuel/15-27.htm">1 Samuel 15:27</a> And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.<a href="/2_kings/2-8.htm">2 Kings 2:8,13,14</a> And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-13.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-13.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/43-28.htm">Homage</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-27.htm">Mantle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-8.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-12.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-13.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Stooped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-4.htm">Upper</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-4.htm">Wearing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">Wrapped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/19-32.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-20.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-10.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-20.htm">Homage</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-20.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Mantle</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-12.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-18.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-17.htm">Stooped</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm">Upper</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-14.htm">Wearing</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Wrapped</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 28</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Achish puts confidence in David</a> 3. <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Saul having destroyed the witches</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">and now in his fear forsaken of God</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">has recourse to a witch</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">who, encouraged by Saul, raises up Samuel</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Saul hearing his ruin, faints</a> 21. <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">The woman and his servants refresh him with meat</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“What does he look like?” asked Saul. Saul's inquiry reflects his desperation and fear, as he seeks guidance from the deceased prophet Samuel. This moment occurs during a time when Saul is facing the Philistine army and feels abandoned by God. Saul's question indicates his uncertainty and need for confirmation, highlighting his spiritual decline and reliance on forbidden practices, such as consulting a medium, which was against God's law (<a href="/leviticus/19-31.htm">Leviticus 19:31</a>).“An old man is coming up,” she replied. The medium's description of an "old man" suggests a figure of wisdom and authority, consistent with Samuel's role as a prophet and judge in Israel. The act of "coming up" implies the ancient belief in Sheol, the abode of the dead, which was thought to be below the earth. This reflects the cultural understanding of the afterlife in ancient Israel.“And he is wearing a robe.” The robe is significant as it was a distinctive garment associated with prophets and priests. Samuel's robe is mentioned earlier in <a href="/1_samuel/15-27.htm">1 Samuel 15:27</a>, where Saul tears it, symbolizing the kingdom being torn from him. The robe here serves as a visual confirmation of Samuel's identity and authority, reinforcing the gravity of Saul's encounter.So Saul knew that it was Samuel, Saul's recognition of Samuel indicates his belief in the medium's ability to summon the prophet, despite his previous expulsion of mediums from the land (<a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">1 Samuel 28:3</a>). This acknowledgment underscores Saul's spiritual crisis and the irony of seeking guidance from the very prophet who had pronounced God's judgment on him.and he bowed facedown in reverence. Saul's act of bowing facedown demonstrates a posture of submission and respect, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures when encountering a figure of authority. This gesture contrasts with Saul's earlier disobedience to God's commands, highlighting his desperation and the tragic irony of seeking counsel from Samuel after his death. Saul's reverence here is misplaced, as he should have sought repentance and guidance from God rather than through forbidden means.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance in desperation as he faces the Philistine army. 2. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> The prophet who anointed Saul as king, now deceased, whom Saul seeks to consult through a medium. 3. <a href="/topical/m/medium_at_endor.htm">Medium at Endor</a> A woman who practices necromancy, whom Saul visits to summon the spirit of Samuel. 4. <a href="/topical/e/endor.htm">Endor</a> A location in ancient Israel where Saul visits the medium, despite having previously banned such practices. 5. <a href="/topical/p/philistine_army.htm">Philistine Army</a> The opposing force that Saul is preparing to battle, causing him great fear and anxiety.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Saul's actions are a direct result of his earlier disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder that disobedience can lead to spiritual desperation and poor decision-making. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_seeking_guidance_outside_of_god.htm">The Dangers of Seeking Guidance Outside of God</a> Saul's choice to consult a medium highlights the dangers of seeking guidance from sources other than God. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer and Scripture. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a> Saul's inability to discern God's will leads him to make unwise choices. Christians are called to develop spiritual discernment through a close relationship with God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fear_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Fear in Decision-Making</a> Fear drives Saul to act against his own decrees and God's commands. Believers should be cautious of allowing fear to dictate their actions, instead trusting in God's sovereignty. <a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god's_prophets_and_word.htm">Reverence for God’s Prophets and Word</a> Saul's reverence for Samuel, even in death, underscores the importance of respecting God's messengers and their teachings, which are now found in Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 28</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_1_samuel_14_battle_site.htm">Is there any archaeological or extra-biblical evidence confirming the battle site and the events described in 1 Samuel 14?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_samuel's_reappearance_explained.htm">How does the narrative explain Samuel’s apparent reappearance if 1 Samuel 28:14–20 implies he was genuinely summoned from the dead? </a> <a href="/q/job_30_23__how_does_this_view_fit_scripture.htm">Job 30:23 – If Job believes God will bring him to death, how does this align or conflict with the broader theology of afterlife or resurrection found elsewhere in Scripture?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_king_saul_die.htm">How did King Saul die? (1 Samuel 31:4-6 vs. 2 Samuel 1:8-10)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) An old man Cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle.--The "mantle;" Heb., m'il. The garment so named was not a peculiar one, and bore no official signification; still, its mention here in this place would seem as though the woman recognised the well-known m'il which the prophet used to wear in life.But it has been asked, How could a spirit bear the semblance of an old man? and further, How could such a being be clothed? Rabbi Moses Maimonides of Cordova (twelfth century), surnamed the "Eagle of the Doctors," in his Yad Hachazakah, admirably replies to these queries when discussing certain similar expressions used with regard to the Holy One, who is a Spirit without a body or a frame. "We find," says Maimonides, "such expressions as 'under His feet,' written with the finger of God,' 'the eye of the Lord,' &c. Of Him one prophet says, 'That he saw the Holy One--blessed be He !--whose garment was white as snow' (<a href="/daniel/7-9.htm" title="I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.">Daniel 7:9</a>); whilst another saw Him 'like a warrior engaged in battle.' Compare the saying of the sages in the Yad Joseph on <a href="/exodus/15-3.htm" title="The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.">Exodus 15:3</a> :--'On the sea He was seen like a man-of-war, and upon Sinai like a reader of prayers, wrapped (in a surplice); and all this though he had neither similitude or form, but that these things were in an apparition of prophecy, and in a vision.'"--Yad Hachazakah, bk. I., ch. 1 "God designed," says Bishop Wordsworth, "that the spirit of Samuel should be recognised by human eyes; and how could this have been done but by means of such objects as are visible to human sense? Our Lord speaks of the tongue of the disembodied spirit of Dives in order to give us an idea of his sufferings; and at the Transfiguration He presented the form of Moses in such a garb to the three disciples as might enable them to recognise him as Moses."And he stooped . . . and bowed himself.--It Seems probable that at this juncture the king saw the form before him when he did obeisance. It is, however, not clear, from the language here used, whether this strange act of reverent homage did not at once follow the description of the woman.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - What form is he of? Rather, "What is his aspect?" i.e. his look. As the term a god conveyed no other idea than that she had seen something majestic, Saul asks for a more exact description. She answers that it was an old man clad in a robe, meil (see on 1 Samuel 2:19). Samuel seems never to have worn the prophetic mantle (see on 1 Samuel 15:27), but always the meil. There was nothing, therefore, distinctive in the dress; but as she says that she has seen an old man, Saul concludes that he for whom he had asked had appeared to him. Instead of Saul perceived, the Hebrew has "Saul knew." There is nothing to prove that Saul really saw anything; all that is said is that by the woman's description "Saul recognised that what she had seen was Samuel, and he bowed himself to the ground, and made obeisance." <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“What מַֽה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what does he look like?” תָּאֳר֔וֹ (tā·’o·rōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8389.htm">Strong's 8389: </a> Outline, figure, appearance asked Saul. וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “An old זָקֵן֙ (zā·qên) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> Old man אִ֤ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person is coming up,” עֹלֶ֔ה (‘ō·leh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively she replied. וַתֹּ֗אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “And he is וְה֥וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are wearing עֹטֶ֖ה (‘ō·ṭeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5844.htm">Strong's 5844: </a> To wrap oneself, enwrap, envelop oneself a robe.” מְעִ֑יל (mə·‘îl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4598.htm">Strong's 4598: </a> A robe So Saul שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites knew וַיֵּ֤דַע (way·yê·ḏa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction it ה֔וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was Samuel, שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל (šə·mū·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel and he bowed וַיִּקֹּ֥ד (way·yiq·qōḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6915.htm">Strong's 6915: </a> To shrivel up, contract, bend the body, in deference facedown אַפַּ֛יִם (’ap·pa·yim) Noun - md <a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire in reverence. וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃ (way·yiš·tā·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> To depress, prostrate <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-14.htm">1 Samuel 28:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:14 He said to her What form (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>