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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 />Samuel said, &#8220Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has departed from you and become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But Samuel replied, “Why ask me, since the LORD has left you and has become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Samuel said: “So why do you ask me, seeing the LORD has departed from you and has become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samuel said, “But why ask me, since the LORD has abandoned you and has become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Samuel said, &#8220Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since Yahweh has turned away from you and has become your adversary?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has left you and has become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samuel answered, “Since the LORD has turned away from you and has become your enemy, why are you asking me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samuel answered, &#8220Since the LORD has turned away from you and has become your enemy, why are you asking me? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Samuel said, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing Jehovah is departed from thee, and is become thine adversary?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Samuel said: If the LORD has turned away from you and is now your enemy, don't ask me what to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Samuel said, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine adversary?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Samuel said, "Why are you asking me when the LORD has turned against you and become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Samuel said, "Why do you call me when the LORD has abandoned you and become your enemy? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Samuel said, "Why do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and become your enemy? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Why do you consult me,? asked Samuel, ?since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Samuel said, "Why are you asking me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and has become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Samuel said, "Why then do you ask of me, since the LORD has departed from you and is with your neighbor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said Samuel, Why then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD hath departed from thee, and hath become thy enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since Yahweh has departed from you and has become your adversary? <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 Samuel says, “And why do you ask me, and YHWH has turned aside from you, and is your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Samuel saith, 'And why dost thou ask me, and Jehovah hath turned aside from thee, and is thine enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Samuel will say, Why wilt thou ask of me, and Jehovah departed from thee and he will be thine enemy?<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 Samuel said: Why askest thou me, seeing the Lord has departed from thee, and is gone over to thy rival: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Samuel said, “Why do you question me, though the Lord has withdrawn from you, and has crossed over to your rival?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />To this Samuel said: “But why do you ask me, if the LORD has abandoned you for your neighbor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Samuel said to Saul, Why do you ask of me, seeing the LORD has departed from you, and now he is with your neighbor David?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shemueil said to Shaul: “Why do you ask me when LORD JEHOVAH has removed himself from you, and he is with your companion?<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 Samuel said: 'Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine adversary?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Samuel said, Why askest thou me, whereas the Lord has departed from thee, and taken part with thy neighbour?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-16.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=8415" 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">Saul and the Medium of Endor</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Then 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.” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: wə·lām·māh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: tiš·’ā·lê·nî (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 1cs) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">do you consult me,”</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</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.">Samuel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">“since the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sār (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">has turned away</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘ā·le·ḵā (Prep-m:: 2ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and become</a> <a href="/hebrew/6145.htm" title="6145: ‘ā·re·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Perhaps adversary. From uwr; a foe.">your enemy?</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingship out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.…<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_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26-28</a></span><br />“I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.” / As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. / So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a></span><br />Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13-14</a></span><br />“You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. / But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12</a></span><br />So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</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="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a></span><br />For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a></span><br />Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10-12</a></span><br />The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. / So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9</a></span><br />But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20</a></span><br />Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a></span><br />But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">1 Samuel 15:11</a></span><br />“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13-14</a></span><br />So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. / Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">1 Samuel 18:28</a></span><br />When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-18.htm">1 Samuel 28:18</a></span><br />Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said Samuel, Why then do you ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from you, and is become your enemy?</p><p class="hdg">Wherefore</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/5-31.htm">Judges 5:31</a></b></br> So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but <i>let</i> them that love him <i>be</i> as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-27.htm">2 Kings 6:27</a></b></br> And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/68-1.htm">Psalm 68:1-3</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm <i>or</i> Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him… </p><p class="hdg">and is become</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/2-5.htm">Lamentations 2:5</a></b></br> The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/2-32.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">Consult</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/judges/8-14.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-9.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-8.htm">Consult</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-8.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-7.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-7.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-7.htm">Wherefore</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>“Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel,</b><br>In this passage, Samuel, though deceased, is speaking to Saul through a medium at Endor. This event occurs during a time when Saul is desperate for guidance as the Philistine army threatens Israel. Consulting the dead was strictly forbidden in Israelite law (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a>), highlighting Saul's disobedience and desperation. Samuel's question underscores the futility of seeking guidance from the dead when one has already rejected the living God. This reflects the broader biblical theme that true wisdom and guidance come from God alone (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>).<p><b>“since the LORD has turned away from you</b><br>The LORD turning away from Saul signifies a divine judgment due to Saul's repeated disobedience and failure to follow God's commands, such as his incomplete destruction of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). This turning away is a fulfillment of Samuel's earlier prophecy that the kingdom would be torn from Saul and given to another (<a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm">1 Samuel 15:28</a>). It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience to God.<p><b>and become your enemy?”</b><br>The phrase indicates a complete reversal of Saul's relationship with God. Once anointed as king by God's command, Saul's actions have led to God opposing him. This enmity is not arbitrary but a result of Saul's choices, illustrating the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>). It also foreshadows the ultimate enmity between God and those who reject His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Davidic line and the true King of Israel (<a href="/luke/1-32.htm">Luke 1:32-33</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>A prophet of God who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. In this passage, he appears posthumously, summoned by the witch of Endor at Saul's request.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who has fallen out of favor with God due to his disobedience. In desperation, he seeks guidance from Samuel through a medium.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who has rejected Saul as king due to his repeated disobedience and failure to follow divine instructions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/endor.htm">Endor</a></b><br>A location in ancient Israel where Saul visits a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel, despite having previously banned such practices.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_witch_of_endor.htm">The Witch of Endor</a></b><br>A medium who Saul consults to bring up the spirit of Samuel, highlighting Saul's desperation and disobedience to God's laws.<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 life illustrates the severe consequences of disobedience to God. His failure to follow God's commands led to his downfall and estrangement from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God’s Guidance</a></b><br>Instead of turning to forbidden practices, believers should seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word. Saul's choice to consult a medium shows a lack of faith and trust in God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_repentance.htm">The Importance of Repentance</a></b><br>Saul's account underscores the importance of genuine repentance. Despite his remorse, Saul did not truly repent, which is crucial for restoring a relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God’s Sovereignty</a></b><br>This passage reminds us of God's sovereignty and the futility of trying to circumvent His will. Saul's attempts to gain control through forbidden means only led to further alienation from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fear_and_desperation.htm">The Role of Fear and Desperation</a></b><br>Fear and desperation can lead to poor decisions. Saul's fear of the Philistines drove him to seek forbidden counsel, highlighting the need for faith and trust in God during difficult times.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_witchcraft.htm">What does the Bible say about witchcraft?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_saul_consult_a_medium_in_1_sam_28.htm">If necromancy is condemned (Deut. 18:9–12), how can 1 Samuel 28:7–25 portray Saul successfully consulting a medium? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_samuel_28_conflict_with_other_bans.htm">Does the account of an active spirit world in 1 Samuel 28:13–19 conflict with other passages that deny or forbid communicating with the dead? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Seeing the Lord is departed from thee.</span>--In other words, <span class= "ital">If Jehovah have left thee, why comest thou to consult me, His servant and prophet? </span>The Hebrew word here translated "enemy" is only found in <a href="/psalms/139-20.htm" title="For they speak against you wickedly, and your enemies take your name in vain.">Psalm 139:20</a> and has been assumed to be an Aramaic form--<span class= "ital">ain </span>for <span class= "ital">tsadde. </span>There are, however, no other Aramaic forms in this book, which is written in pure "classical" Hebrew. The letter <span class= "ital">ain, </span>or the first letter in the text here, through a very slight error of the copyist, could easily have been altered from <span class= "ital">tsadde, </span>the first letter of the usual word for "enemy." The LXX. and Vulg. Versions apparently had another reading before them, for they translate the last clause of the verse, "and is with thy neighbours."<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-16.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">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלָ֖מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do you consult me,”</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁאָלֵ֑נִי</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·’ā·lê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common 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">asked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Samuel,</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“since the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיהוָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">has turned away</span><br /><span class="heb">סָ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from you</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעָלֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ā·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and become</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your enemy?</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·re·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6145.htm">Strong's 6145: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps adversary</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/28-16.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:16 Samuel said Why then do you ask (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:17" /></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>