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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 28:23 Saul refused, saying, "I will not eat." But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/28-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/09_1Sa_28_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 28:23 - Saul and the Medium of Endor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Saul refused, saying, I will not eat. 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He got up from the ground and sat on the couch. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Saul refused to eat anything. Then his advisers joined the woman in urging him to eat, so he finally yielded and got up from the ground and sat on the couch. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> He refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, urged him, and he listened to their words. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a> But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a> But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” So his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he heeded their voice. Then he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” However, his servants together with the woman urged him, and he listened to them. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> But he refused and said, &#8220I will not eat.&#8221 However, his servants together with the woman urged him, and he listened to them. So he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” However, his servants together with the woman urged him, and he listened to them. So he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” However, his servants together with the woman urged him, and he listened to them. So he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants together with the woman urged him, and he [finally] listened to them. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He refused, saying, “I won’t eat,” but when his servants and the woman urged him, he listened to them. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He refused, saying, &#8220I won&#8217t eat,&#8221 but when his servants and the woman urged him, he listened to them. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "No, I won't eat!" But his officers and the woman kept on urging Saul, until he finally agreed. He got up off the floor and sat on the bed. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But he refused. "I don't want to eat," he said. Nevertheless, his officers and the woman kept urging him until he listened to them. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> Saul refused and said he would not eat anything. But his officers also urged him to eat. He finally gave in, got up from the ground, and sat on the bed. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul refused, saying, "I won't eat!" Both his servants and the woman urged him, and so he listened to them. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Saul refused, saying, ?I will not eat.? But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. <a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a> But he refused, saying, "I won't eat!" Both his servants and the woman urged him to eat, so he gave in. He got up from the ground and sat down on the bed. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But he refused, and said, "I will not eat." But his servants, together with the woman, pressed him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the ground, and sat on the bed. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. <a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a> But he refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he refuses and says, “I do not eat”; and his servants urge him on, and also the woman, and he listens to their voice, and rises from the earth, and sits on the bed. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he refuseth, and saith, 'I do not eat;' and his servants urge on him, and also the woman, and he hearkeneth to their voice, and riseth from the earth, and sitteth on the bed. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will refuse, and say, I will not eat And his servants will press upon him, and also the woman, and he will hear to their voice. And he will rise up from the earth and sit upon the bed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But he refused, and said: I will not eat. But his servants and the woman forced him, and at length hearkening to their voice, he arose from the ground and sat upon the bed. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But he refused, and he said, “I will not eat.” But his servants and the woman urged him, and after some time, heeding their voice, he rose up from the ground, and he sat upon the bed. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a> But he refused, saying, “I will not eat.” However, when his servants joined the woman in urging him, he listened to their entreaties, got up from the ground, and sat on a couch. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he listened to their words. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, begged him; and he hearkened to their voice. So he arose from the ground and sat upon the bed. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he did not want it, and he said: “I will not eat.” And his Servants begged of him, also the woman, and he listened to their voice, and he got up from the ground and sat down on the bed<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But he refused, and said: 'I will not eat.' But his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But he would not eat; so his servants and the woman constrained him, and he hearkened to their voice, and rose up from the earth, and sat upon a bench. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-23.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=8496" 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> …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.” 23<a href="/hebrew/3985.htm" title="3985: way·mā·’ên (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To refuse. A primitive root; to refuse.">Saul refused,</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.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’ō·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">eat.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">But his servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">joined</a> <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.">the woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/6555.htm" title="6555: way·yip̄·rə·ṣū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To break through. A primitive root; to break out.">in urging</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">and he heeded</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: lə·qō·lām (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">their voice.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">He got up</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: mê·hā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-m, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">from the ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and sat</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/4296.htm" title="4296: ham·miṭ·ṭāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A couch, bed. From natah; a bed for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier.">the bed.</a> 24The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.…<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="/matthew/4-11.htm">Matthew 4:11</a> Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him. <a href="/mark/1-31.htm">Mark 1:31</a> So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. <a href="/luke/4-39.htm">Luke 4:39</a> and He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them. <a href="/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31-34</a> Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” / But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” / So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?” ... <a href="/acts/9-19.htm">Acts 9:19</a> and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">1 Kings 19:5-8</a> Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” / And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. / A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” ... <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm">Genesis 18:5</a> And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Genesis 19:3</a> But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. <a href="/judges/19-21.htm">Judges 19:21</a> So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank. <a href="/2_samuel/13-5.htm">2 Samuel 13:5-6</a> Jonadab told him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend you are ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare it in my sight so I may watch her and eat it from her hand.’” / So Amnon lay down and feigned illness. When the king came to see him, Amnon said, “Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, so that I may eat from her hand.” <a href="/1_kings/17-13.htm">1 Kings 17:13-15</a> “Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, / for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” / So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household. <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8</a> One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. <a href="/2_kings/4-42.htm">2 Kings 4:42-44</a> Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD. <a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a> You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. <a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a> wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat on the bed.I will<a href="/1_kings/21-4.htm">1 Kings 21:4</a> And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.<a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20</a> As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.compelled him<a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8</a> And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.<a href="/luke/14-23.htm">Luke 14:23</a> And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.<a href="/luke/24-29.htm">Luke 24:29</a> But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/19-16.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-12.htm">Compelled</a> <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Constrained</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-6.htm">Hearkeneth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-4.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Refuseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-2.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Together</a> <a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Urge</a> <a href="/judges/19-7.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/ruth/1-18.htm">Urging</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/21-11.htm">Compelled</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">Constrained</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-16.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-25.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-18.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-22.htm">Hearkeneth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-10.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-23.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-9.htm">Refuseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-11.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-13.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-25.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-24.htm">Urge</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-25.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-25.htm">Urging</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-2.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-8.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>Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” Saul's refusal to eat reflects his deep distress and fear after his encounter with the spirit of Samuel. This moment occurs during a time of great personal and national crisis for Saul, as the Philistine army threatens Israel. Saul's refusal can be seen as a sign of his despair and loss of hope, as he faces the consequences of his disobedience to God. In biblical culture, fasting was often associated with mourning or seeking divine intervention, but here it seems to be more about his emotional state.But his servants joined the woman in urging him, The servants and the woman, who is the medium at Endor, show concern for Saul's well-being. This reflects the cultural practice of hospitality and care for one's leader, even in dire circumstances. The urging of the servants and the woman highlights the communal aspect of decision-making in ancient Israel, where leaders were often surrounded by advisors and supporters who played a role in guiding their actions.and he heeded their voice. Saul's decision to listen to his servants and the woman indicates a moment of vulnerability and reliance on others. This is significant because it contrasts with his earlier disobedience to God's commands, where he often acted independently or against divine guidance. The phrase suggests a temporary submission to human counsel, which stands in stark contrast to his failure to heed divine instruction throughout his reign.He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. Saul's physical movement from the ground to the bed symbolizes a shift from a state of despair to a more stable position, albeit temporarily. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sitting on a bed could imply a return to a semblance of normalcy or readiness to receive sustenance. This action may also foreshadow his impending downfall, as it is a brief respite before the fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy regarding his defeat and death. The bed, a place of rest, contrasts with the turmoil in Saul's heart and the impending doom he faces.<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 faces the Philistine army. His refusal to eat signifies his deep distress and hopelessness. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_woman.htm">The Woman (Medium of Endor)</a> A medium whom Saul consults to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel, despite having previously banned such practices in Israel. Her role is pivotal in this account as she provides Saul with the message from Samuel. 3. <a href="/topical/s/servants_of_saul.htm">Servants of Saul</a> They accompany Saul to Endor and play a role in persuading him to eat, showing their concern for his well-being. 4. <a href="/topical/e/endor.htm">Endor</a> A location in ancient Israel where the medium resides. It becomes the setting for this significant and controversial event in Saul's life. 5. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The enemy force that Saul is preparing to face, contributing to his 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 spiritual decline that results from persistent disobedience to God. His desperation leads him to seek guidance from forbidden sources, illustrating the dangers of straying from God's commands. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_counsel.htm">The Importance of Godly Counsel</a> Saul's reliance on a medium rather than seeking Godly counsel highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with advisors who encourage obedience to God. <a href="/topical/d/desperation_and_fear.htm">Desperation and Fear</a> Fear can drive individuals to make poor decisions. Saul's fear of the Philistines leads him to act against God's law. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty rather than succumbing to fear. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a> The servants' concern for Saul's physical well-being shows the importance of community in times of distress. Believers should support one another, encouraging faithfulness to God. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> Saul's account serves as a cautionary tale about the need for repentance. Believers are reminded of the opportunity for restoration through genuine repentance and turning back to God.<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_witch_of_endor_story.htm">What is the Witch of Endor Bible story about?</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/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> <a href="/q/what's_in_the_gospel_of_the_hebrews.htm">What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?</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>(23) And sat upon the bed--That is, upon the divan, or cushioned seat, which usually runs round the walls of rooms in Eastern dwellings. There is nothing in the narration to support the common idea, represented so often in painting, that the scene above related took place in a cave. The witch probably lived in a dwelling of her own at En-dor. There is nothing either in the narrative to indicate that she was living in a place of concealment. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Saul refused, וַיְמָאֵ֗ן (way·mā·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3985.htm">Strong's 3985: </a> To refuse saying, וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “I will not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no eat.” אֹכַ֔ל (’ō·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat But his servants עֲבָדָיו֙ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant joined וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and the woman הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female in urging וַיִּפְרְצוּ־ (way·yip̄·rə·ṣū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6555.htm">Strong's 6555: </a> To break through him, ב֤וֹ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and he heeded וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently their voice. לְקֹלָ֑ם (lə·qō·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound He got up וַיָּ֙קָם֙ (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand from the ground מֵֽהָאָ֔רֶץ (mê·hā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land and sat וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry on אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the bed. הַמִּטָּֽה׃ (ham·miṭ·ṭāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4296.htm">Strong's 4296: </a> A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-23.htm">1 Samuel 28:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:23 But he refused and said I will (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:24" /></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>