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I took my life in my hands and did as you told me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/28-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/09_1Sa_28_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 28:21 - Saul and the Medium of Endor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was, she said to him, Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. 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I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> When the woman saw how distraught he was, she said, “Sir, I obeyed your command at the risk of my life. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the woman came to Saul, and when she saw that he was terrified, she said to him, “Behold, your servant has obeyed you. I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to what you have said to me. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was, she said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. I took my life in my hands and did as you told me. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a> And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a> And the woman came to Saul and saw that he was severely troubled, and said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hands and heeded the words which you spoke to me. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The woman came to Saul and saw that he was utterly horrified, and she said to him, “Behold, your servant has obeyed you, and I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to your words which you spoke to me. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> The woman came to Saul and saw that he was terrified, and said to him, &#8220Behold, your maidservant has obeyed you, and I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to your words which you spoke to me. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the woman came to Saul and saw that he was terrified, and said to him, “Behold, your maidservant has obeyed you, and I have taken my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the woman came to Saul and saw that he was terrified and said to him, “Behold, your servant-woman has listened to your voice, and I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to your words which you spoke to me. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The woman came to Saul and saw that he was greatly troubled, and she said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed you, and I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to everything you said to me. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The woman came over to Saul, and she saw that he was terrified and said to him, “Look, your servant has obeyed you. I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The woman came over to Saul, and she saw that he was terrified and said to him, &#8220Look, your servant has obeyed you. I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thy handmaid hath hearkened unto thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The woman came over to Saul, and when she saw that he was completely terrified, she said, "Your Majesty, I listened to you and risked my life to do what you asked. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath hearkened unto thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The woman came over to Saul and saw that he was terrified. "I listened to you," she told him, "and I took my life in my hands when I did what you told me to do. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> The woman went over to him and saw that he was terrified, so she said to him, "Please, sir, I risked my life by doing what you asked. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the woman came to Saul and saw that he was very disturbed. She told him, "Look, your servant obeyed you. I put my life into your hands, and I listened to your words that you spoke to me. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was, she said to him, ?Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. I took my life in my hands and did as you told me. <a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a> When the woman came to Saul and saw how terrified he was, she said to him, "Your servant has done what you asked. I took my life into my own hands and did what you told me. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And the woman came to Saul and saw that he was terrified, and said to him, "Look, your servant has obeyed you, and I have put my life in my hand and have listened to your words which you spoke to me. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the woman came to Saul, and saw that he was greatly troubled, and said to him, Behold, thy handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened to thy words, which thou didst speak <a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a> The woman came to Saul and saw that he was very troubled, and said to him, “Behold, your servant has listened to your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the woman comes to Saul, and sees that he has been greatly troubled, and says to him, “Behold, your maidservant has listened to your voice, and I put my soul in my hand, and I obey your words which you have spoken to me; <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the woman cometh in unto Saul, and seeth that he hath been greatly troubled, and saith unto him, 'Lo, thy maid-servant hath hearkened to thy voice, and I put my soul in my hand, and I obey thy words which thou hast spoken unto me; <a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the woman will come to Saul, and she will see that he trembled greatly, and she will say to him, Behold, thy servant heard to thy voice, and I will put my soul in my hand, and heard thy words which thou spake to me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the woman came to Saul (for he was very much troubled) and said to him: Behold thy handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand: and I hearkened unto the words which thou spokest to me. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, the woman entered to Saul, (for he was very troubled) and she said to him: “Behold, your handmaid has obeyed your voice, and I have placed my life in my hand. And I have heeded the words which you spoke to me. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the woman came to Saul and, seeing that he was quite terror-stricken, said to him: “Remember, your maidservant obeyed you: I took my life in my hands and carried out the request you made of me. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The woman came to Saul, and when she saw that he was terrified, she said to him, “Your servant has listened to you; I have taken my life in my hand, and have listened to what you have said to me.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the woman came to Saul, and saw that he was exceedingly afraid, and said to him, Behold, your handmaid has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in your hand, and have listened to the words which you spoke to me. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the woman came and she saw that he was very afraid, and she said to him: “See, your Maid Servant has listened to your voice, and I have placed my life into your hands, and I have listened to your words which you told me<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore affrighted, and said unto him: 'Behold, thy handmaid hath hearkened unto thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spokest unto me. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the woman went in to Saul, and saw that he was greatly disquieted, and said to him, Behold now, thine handmaid has hearkened to thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have heard the words which thou has spoken to me. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-21.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=8473" 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> …20Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground, terrified by the words of Samuel. And his strength was gone, because he had not eaten anything all that day and night. 21<a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: hā·’iš·šāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">When the woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wat·tā·ḇō·w (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</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.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wat·tê·re (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">how</a> <a href="/hebrew/926.htm" title="926: niḇ·hal (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To disturb, terrify. A primitive root; to tremble inwardly, i.e. be alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously.">distraught he was,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></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 said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8198.htm" title="8198: šip̄·ḥā·ṯə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Maid, maidservant. Feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out; a female slave.">your maidservant</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·mə·‘āh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">has obeyed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: bə·qō·w·le·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">your voice.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: wā·’ā·śîm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">I took</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">my life</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: bə·ḵap·pî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">in my hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: wā·’eš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">and did</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇā·re·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bar·tā (V-Piel-Perf-2ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">you told</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">me.</a> 22Now please listen to your servant and let me set a morsel of bread before you so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.”…<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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Revelation 21:8</a> But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” <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="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Isaiah 47:12-13</a> So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! / You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. <a href="/micah/5-12.htm">Micah 5:12</a> I will cut the sorceries from your hand, and you will have no fortune-tellers. <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Acts 8:9-11</a> Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery. <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15-20</a> Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">2 Corinthians 11:14-15</a> And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a> Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the woman came to Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said to him, Behold, your handmaid has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.I have put<a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">1 Samuel 19:5</a> For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?<a href="/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3</a> And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me?<a href="/job/13-14.htm">Job 13:14</a> Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/10-25.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-18.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-2.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">Obeyed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-36.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/judges/17-2.htm">Spakest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-40.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/judges/13-11.htm">Spokest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-11.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-18.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-15.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-9.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-45.htm">Obeyed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-25.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-24.htm">Spakest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-24.htm">Spokest</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-49.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Words</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>When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was The woman referred to here is the medium of Endor, whom Saul sought out in desperation. Saul's distress is significant, as it highlights his spiritual decline and separation from God. This moment occurs after God has stopped answering Saul through prophets or dreams, leading him to seek forbidden practices. The woman's recognition of Saul's distress underscores the gravity of his situation, as he is the king of Israel yet finds himself in a state of fear and helplessness. This reflects the consequences of disobedience to God, as Saul had previously banned mediums and spiritists from the land (<a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">1 Samuel 28:3</a>).she said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. The woman's reference to herself as Saul's "maidservant" indicates her submission and acknowledgment of his authority, despite the illicit nature of their encounter. Her obedience to Saul's request, despite the risk involved, highlights the desperation and fear that permeated the situation. This phrase also reflects the cultural norms of the time, where women often referred to themselves in subservient terms when addressing men, especially those in positions of power.I took my life in my hands and did as you told me. The phrase "I took my life in my hands" indicates the danger the woman faced in complying with Saul's request. Engaging in necromancy was punishable by death according to the Law of Moses (<a href="/leviticus/20-27.htm">Leviticus 20:27</a>), and Saul himself had enforced this law. Her willingness to risk her life suggests either a fear of Saul's authority or a belief in the seriousness of his plight. This act of risking one's life can be seen as a parallel to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down His life for humanity. The woman's actions, though motivated by fear or obligation, inadvertently highlight themes of sacrifice and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who is in a state of desperation and fear as he seeks guidance from a medium, having been abandoned by God due to his disobedience. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_woman.htm">The Woman (Medium of Endor)</a> A woman who practices necromancy, whom Saul consults in violation of God's law, highlighting his spiritual decline and desperation. 3. <a href="/topical/e/endor.htm">Endor</a> A location in ancient Israel where the medium resided, representing a place of spiritual compromise for Saul. 4. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel (Referenced in Context)</a> The prophet who had died, whom Saul seeks to contact through the medium, symbolizing Saul's longing for divine guidance. 5. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines (Referenced in Context)</a> The enemy nation threatening Israel, whose impending attack contributes to Saul's fear and desperation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Saul's actions demonstrate the severe consequences of turning away from God's commands. His desperation leads him to seek forbidden practices, resulting in further spiritual decline. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_desperation.htm">The Danger of Desperation</a> In times of fear and uncertainty, turning to ungodly sources for guidance can lead to destructive choices. Believers are encouraged to seek God through prayer and His Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Obedience to God's Word is crucial. Saul's life serves as a cautionary tale of how disobedience can lead to spiritual and personal ruin. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fear_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Fear in Decision-Making</a> Fear can drive individuals to make irrational and sinful decisions. Trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His peace is essential for sound decision-making. <a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_repentance.htm">The Need for Repentance</a> Saul's account highlights the need for genuine repentance. Instead of seeking God’s forgiveness, Saul sought human solutions, leading to his downfall.<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/what's_the_bible's_view_on_necromancy.htm">What is the Bible's stance on necromancy?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_mediums_in_ancient_israel.htm">Is there any archaeological or historical evidence confirming the existence of mediums in ancient Israel to support the story of 1 Samuel 28:7-9?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_1_sam_13_1-2_and_acts_13_21_align.htm">How does 1 Samuel 13:1-2 reconcile with Acts 13:21, which states Saul reigned for forty years?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_priest_violence_sanctioned_(1_sam_22_19).htm">Why does this text present such severe violence against priests as sanctioned or uninterrupted (1 Samuel 22:19)?</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>(21) And the woman.--The story is completed in these few concluding verses (<a href="/context/1_samuel/28-21.htm" title="And the woman came to Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said to him, Behold, your handmaid has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.">1Samuel 28:21-25</a>) in a most natural and unaffected style. The witch, though a grievous sinner, is struck with a woman's pity for the stricken king, and with kind words and still kinder acts does her best to recover him from the death-like swoon into which the hapless Saul had fallen. Her whole behaviour contradicts the supposition that she was moved by a bitter hatred against Saul (see Excursus L at end of this Book) to desire the appearance of Samuel, and to imitate his voice by means of ventriloquism. Firstly, she was herself terrified at the apparition; and secondly, she was saddened by the effect of the dead seer's words on the king, and did her poor best to restore him to composure and strength again. We read in the next verse how the woman, with Saul's servants, used even a gentle compulsion to induce the king to take the nourishment he was so sorely in need of. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When the woman הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female came וַתָּב֤וֹא (wat·tā·ḇō·w) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Saul שָׁא֔וּל (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 and saw וַתֵּ֖רֶא (wat·tê·re) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see how כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction distraught he was, נִבְהַ֣ל (niḇ·hal) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously she said וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (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 to him, אֵלָ֗יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to “Look, הִנֵּ֨ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! your maidservant שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙ (šip̄·ḥā·ṯə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8198.htm">Strong's 8198: </a> Maid, maidservant has obeyed שָׁמְעָ֤ה (šā·mə·‘āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently your voice. בְּקוֹלֶ֔ךָ (bə·qō·w·le·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound I took וָאָשִׂ֤ים (wā·’ā·śîm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set my life נַפְשִׁי֙ (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion in my hands בְּכַפִּ֔י (bə·ḵap·pî) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan and did וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙ (wā·’eš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently as אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you told דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ (dib·bar·tā) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue me. אֵלָֽי׃ (’ê·lāy) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:21 The woman came to Saul and saw (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:22" /></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>