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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He asked the LORD what he should do, but the LORD refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him, either in dreams, or by the Urim, or by the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Saul asked of Yahweh, but Yahweh did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim [used like lots by the priest to determine the will of God] or by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him in dreams or by the Urim or by the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him in dreams or by the Urim or by the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Saul inquired of Jehovah, Jehovah answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So he asked the LORD what to do. But the LORD would not answer, either in a dream or by a priest or a prophet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He prayed to the LORD, but the LORD didn't answer him through dreams, the Urim, or prophets. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and so he asked the LORD what to do. But the LORD did not answer him at all, either by dreams or by the use of Urim and Thummim or by prophets. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him, either through dreams or Urim or through prophets. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him--not by dreams nor by Urim nor by the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When Saul inquired of the LORD, The LORD did not answer him, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Saul inquired of Yahweh, Yahweh didn’t answer him by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Saul inquires of YHWH, and YHWH has not answered him, either by the dreams, or by the Lights, or by the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Saul asketh at Jehovah, and Jehovah hath not answered him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will ask through Jehovah, and Jehovah answered him not, also in dreams, also in Lights, also in the prophets.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he consulted the Lord, and he answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by priests, nor by prophets. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he consulted the Lord. But he did not respond to him, neither by dreams, nor by priests, nor by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He consulted the LORD; but the LORD gave no answer, neither in dreams nor by Urim nor through prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, not by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when Saul inquired of the LORD, he did not answer him, either by dreams or by fire or by prophets.<CL>Then Achish called David and said to him, As the LORD lives, you have been upright, and your coming in and your going out with me in the battle is good in my sight; for I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to us to this day; nevertheless you are not good in the sight of the lords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he inquired of LORD JEHOVAH, and he did not answer him, neither in a dream, neither in fire, neither by a Prophet<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul enquired of the Lord; and the Lord answered him not by dreams, nor by manifestations, nor by prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8295" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Philistines Gather Against Israel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: way·yiš·’al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">He inquired</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">but the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ā·nā·hū (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answer him</a> <a href="/hebrew/2472.htm" title="2472: ba·ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A dream. Or chalom; from chalam; a dream.">by dreams</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/224.htm" title="224: bā·’ū·rîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Plur of 'uwr; lights; Urim, the oracular brilliancy of the figures in the high-priest's breastplate.">Urim</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: ban·nə·ḇî·’im (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">prophets.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-13.htm">1 Chronicles 10:13-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-28.htm">Proverbs 1:28</a></span><br />Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a></span><br />But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3</a></span><br />“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18</a></span><br />If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5-7</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. / But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. / That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a></span><br />When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-11.htm">Jeremiah 11:11</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-4.htm">Micah 3:4</a></span><br />Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a></span><br />And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-31.htm">John 9:31</a></span><br />We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-29.htm">Proverbs 15:29</a></span><br />The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Isaiah 8:19</a></span><br />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?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.</p><p class="hdg">enquired</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37</a></b></br> And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/10-14.htm">1 Chronicles 10:14</a></b></br> And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-27.htm">Proverbs 1:27,28</a></b></br> When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you… </p><p class="hdg">by dreams</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12-15</a></b></br> And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/46-2.htm">Genesis 46:2-4</a></b></br> And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here <i>am</i> I… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Numbers 12:6</a></b></br> And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, <i>I</i> the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, <i>and</i> will speak unto him in a dream.</p><p class="hdg">by Urim</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/28-20.htm">Exodus 28:20</a></b></br> And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Numbers 27:21</a></b></br> And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask <i>counsel</i> for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, <i>both</i> he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8</a></b></br> And of Levi he said, <i>Let</i> thy Thummim and thy Urim <i>be</i> with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, <i>and with</i> whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;</p><p class="hdg">by prophets</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/74-9.htm">Psalm 74:9</a></b></br> We see not our signs: <i>there is</i> no more any prophet: neither <i>is there</i> among us any that knoweth how long.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/2-9.htm">Lamentations 2:9</a></b></br> Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes <i>are</i> among the Gentiles: the law <i>is</i> no <i>more</i>; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3</a></b></br> Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? <i>As</i> I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/judges/7-15.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-5.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">Either</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-24.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-41.htm">Urim</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-5.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-2.htm">Either</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/ezra/2-63.htm">Urim</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Achish puts confidence in David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Saul having destroyed the witches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">and now in his fear forsaken of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">has recourse to a witch</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">who, encouraged by Saul, raises up Samuel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Saul hearing his ruin, faints</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">The woman and his servants refresh him with meat</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>He inquired of the LORD</b><br>In the context of <a href="/1_samuel/28.htm">1 Samuel 28</a>, Saul is facing a dire situation with the Philistines, and he seeks guidance from God. This reflects a common practice in ancient Israel where leaders and individuals sought divine direction. However, Saul's inquiry is marked by desperation rather than genuine faith, as his previous disobedience and rejection of God's commands have led to his current predicament. This highlights the importance of a consistent relationship with God rather than seeking Him only in times of crisis.<p><b>but the LORD did not answer him</b><br>God's silence is significant here. Throughout the Old Testament, God's communication with His people is contingent upon their obedience and faithfulness. Saul's earlier disobedience, such as his failure to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), has led to his rejection as king. This silence serves as a divine judgment and a fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy that the kingdom would be torn from Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm">1 Samuel 15:28</a>).<p><b>by dreams</b><br>Dreams were one of the ways God communicated with His people, as seen with figures like Joseph (Genesis 37) and Daniel (Daniel 2). The absence of dreams indicates a severed line of communication between Saul and God, emphasizing Saul's spiritual decline and the gravity of his situation.<p><b>or Urim</b><br>The Urim and Thummim were priestly tools used for divination, often associated with the high priest's breastplate (<a href="/exodus/28-30.htm">Exodus 28:30</a>). They were a means for the Israelites to discern God's will. Saul's inability to receive guidance through the Urim suggests a breakdown in the religious order, possibly due to his own actions, such as the massacre of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22).<p><b>or prophets</b><br>Prophets were God's messengers, and Samuel had been a key prophetic figure in Saul's life. With Samuel's death (<a href="/1_samuel/25.htm">1 Samuel 25:1</a>), Saul loses his primary prophetic connection. This absence underscores the void left by Samuel and the lack of any other prophetic voice willing or able to guide Saul, further isolating him spiritually and politically.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who is seeking guidance from the Lord but receives no answer. His reign is marked by disobedience and a gradual departure from God's favor.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who is silent in response to Saul's inquiries due to Saul's previous disobedience and rejection of God's commands.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/dreams,_urim,_prophets.htm">Dreams, Urim, Prophets</a></b><br>The traditional means by which God communicated with His people. Dreams were often used by God to reveal His will, the Urim (part of the high priest's breastplate) was used for divination, and prophets were God's messengers.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/endor.htm">Endor</a></b><br>The location Saul visits after this verse, seeking a medium, which further demonstrates his desperation and departure from God's ways.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>The prophet who had previously anointed Saul and served as a spiritual guide for Israel. His death left Saul without a direct prophetic voice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's inability to hear from God is a direct result of his disobedience. This serves as a warning that persistent sin can lead to spiritual silence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god_early.htm">The Importance of Seeking God Early</a></b><br>Saul's desperation highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent relationship with God, rather than seeking Him only in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_word.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Word</a></b><br>Despite Saul's failure, God's silence is consistent with His character and His previous warnings. God remains faithful to His word, even when it involves judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_desperation.htm">The Dangers of Desperation</a></b><br>Saul's subsequent actions show how desperation can lead to further sin. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and remain faithful, even when answers are delayed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets_and_scripture.htm">The Role of Prophets and Scripture</a></b><br>In the absence of direct revelation, believers today have the completed canon of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to guide them, emphasizing the importance of regular Bible study and prayer.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_king_saul_considered_saved.htm">Is King Saul considered saved?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_use_a_forbidden_method.htm">Why would God, who had stopped answering Saul (1 Samuel 28:6), allow this forbidden method to convey His message? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_praying_to_the_dead.htm">What does the Bible say about praying to the dead?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_we_talk_to_the_deceased.htm">Can we communicate with deceased loved ones?</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>(6) <span class= "bld">And when Saul enquired of the Lord.</span>----The question has been asked, How was the enquiry made? for since the massacre at Nob, the high priest, or, at least, the priest in possession of the sacred ephod and the breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim, was, we know, in the camp of David, and we shall soon hear of a solemn use being made of the sacred gems. (See <a href="/context/1_samuel/30-7.htm" title="And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray you, bring me here the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.">1Samuel 30:7-8</a>.) It has been suggested by eminent Biblical scholars that after the murder of Ahimelech and the flight of Abiathar to David, Saul removed the national Sanctuary from desecrated Nob, and established it at Gibeon, where, during the first year of David's reign, we find the Tabernacle, with Zadok, son of Ahitub, of the house of Eleazar, acting as high priest--probably placed in that office by Saul. This would account for the frequent reference in the time of David to two high priests, Zadok and Abiathar: Zadok, the high priest appointed by Saul, for a considerable period alone in charge of the Tabernacle; and Abiathar, who fled from Nob with the ephod and the sacred Urim, acknowledged by David as high priest, when the kingdom was restored eventually under one head. These two seemed to have divided the honours and responsibilities of the high priesthood. (See <a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm" title="And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;">2Samuel 8:17</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/15-24.htm" title="And see Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.">2Samuel 15:24</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/15-29.htm" title="Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.">2Samuel 15:29</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/15-35.htm" title="And have you not there with you Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever you shall hear out of the king's house, you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.">2Samuel 15:35</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/15-11.htm" title="And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,">1Chronicles 15:11</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/18-16.htm" title="And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;">1Chronicles 18:16</a>.) . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He inquired</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽיהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answer him</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנָ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by dreams</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחֲלֹמ֛וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2472.htm">Strong's 2472: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dream</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֧ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Urim</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאוּרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ū·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_224.htm">Strong's 224: </a> </span><span class="str2">Part of the high priest's breastplate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prophets.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּנְּבִיאִֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(ban·nə·ḇî·’im)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:6 When Saul inquired of Yahweh Yahweh didn't (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:7" /></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>