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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 28:20 Immediately 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/28-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/09_1Sa_28_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 28:20 - Saul and the Medium of Endor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground, terrified by the words of Samuel. 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His strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and all that night. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> Saul fell full length on the ground, paralyzed with fright because of Samuel’s words. He was also faint with hunger, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Immediately 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. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a> Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a> Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, and was dreadfully afraid because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no food all day or all night. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Saul immediately fell full length to the ground and was very afraid because of Samuel’s words; there was no strength in him either, because he had eaten no food all day and all night. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Saul immediately fell full length upon the ground and was very afraid because of the words of Samuel; also there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no food all day and all night. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Saul immediately fell full length upon the ground and was very afraid because of the words of Samuel; also there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no food all day and all night. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Saul quickly fell full length upon the ground and was very afraid because of the words of Samuel; also there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no food all day and all night. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Saul immediately fell full length on the earth [floor of the medium’s house], and was very afraid because of Samuel’s words; and he was thoroughly exhausted because he had not eaten all day and all night. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Immediately, Saul fell flat on the ground. He was terrified by Samuel’s words and was also weak because he had not eaten anything all day and all night. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Immediately, Saul fell flat on the ground. He was terrified by Samuel&#8217s words and was also weak because he hadn&#8217t had any food all day and all night. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then Saul fell straightway his full length upon the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> At once, Saul collapsed and lay stretched out on the floor, terrified at what Samuel had said. He was weak because he had not eaten anything since the day before. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then Saul fell straightway his full length upon the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Immediately, Saul fell flat on the ground. He was frightened by Samuel's words. He also had no strength left, because he hadn't eaten anything all day or all night. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> At once Saul fell down and lay stretched out on the ground, terrified by what Samuel had said. He was weak, because he had not eaten anything all day and all night. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul immediately fell down full-length on the ground. He was terrified because of Samuel's words, and he had no strength because he had not eaten food all day and all night. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Immediately 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. <a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a> Saul quickly fell full length on the ground and was very afraid because of Samuel's words. He was completely drained of energy, not having eaten anything all that day and night. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Saul fell immediately his full length on the earth, and was terrified, because of the words of Samuel. There was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then Saul fell immediately all along on the earth, and was exceedingly afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. <a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Saul fell immediately his full length on the earth, and was terrified, because of Samuel’s words. There was no strength in him, for he had eaten no bread all day long or all night long. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul hurries and falls—the fullness of his stature—to the earth, and fears greatly because of the words of Samuel; also power was not in him, for he had not eaten bread all the day, and all the night. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul hasteth and falleth -- the fulness of his stature -- to the earth, and feareth greatly because of the words of Samuel; also power was not in him, for he had not eaten bread all the day, and all the night. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul will hasten and fall with the fulness of his stature to the earth, and he will fear greatly from the words of Samuel: also strength was not in him, for he ate not bread all the day and all the night.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And forthwith Saul fell all along on the ground, for he was frightened with the words of Samuel, and there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no bread all that day. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And immediately, Saul fell stretched out on the ground. For he was terrified by the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him. For he had not eaten bread all that day. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a> Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, in great fear because of Samuel’s message. He had no strength left, since he had eaten nothing all that day and night. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel; and there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Saul fell straightway upon his face on the ground, and was exceedingly afraid because of the words of Samuel; and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all that day, nor all that night. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Saul moved swiftly and fell on his face on the ground and he was very afraid of the words of Shemueil, and no strength was in him, because it was all day and all night that he had not eaten bread<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then Saul fell straightway his full length upon the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel; and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Saul instantly fell at his full length upon the earth, and was greatly afraid because of the words of Samuel; and there was no longer any strength in him, for he had eaten no bread all that day, and all that night. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-20.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=8460" 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> …19Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.” 20<a href="/hebrew/4116.htm" title="4116: way·ma·hêr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hasten. A primitive root; properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e. to hurry; often used adverbially, promptly.">Immediately</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/5307.htm" title="5307: way·yip·pōl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">fell</a> <a href="/hebrew/4393.htm" title="4393: mə·lō- (N-msc) -- Fullness, that which fills. Rarely mlowf; or mlow,; from male'; fulness.">flat</a> <a href="/hebrew/6967.htm" title="6967: qō·w·mā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Height. From quwm; height."></a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">on the ground,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yi·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">terrified</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/1697.htm" title="1697: mid·diḇ·rê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">by the words</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.">of Samuel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: kō·aḥ (N-ms) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">his strength</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</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.">gone,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</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.">he had not</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’ā·ḵal (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">eaten</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: le·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">anything</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: hal·lā·yə·lāh (Art:: N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">night.</a> 21When 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.…<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="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26-28</a> “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. <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">1 Samuel 31:4-5</a> Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. <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="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13-14</a> “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.” <a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a> Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him. <a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12</a> So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul. <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9</a> 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, <a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</a> He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">1 Samuel 28:15</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/28-18.htm">1 Samuel 28:18</a> Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today. <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">1 Samuel 30:4</a> So David and the troops with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no strength left to weep. <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">2 Samuel 1:6-10</a> “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. / When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I answered, ‘Here I am!’ / ‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ ... <a href="/matthew/27-5.htm">Matthew 27:5</a> So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. <a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Acts 1:18</a> (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.sore afraid<a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5</a> And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.<a href="/1_samuel/25-37.htm">1 Samuel 25:37</a> But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.<a href="/job/15-20.htm">Job 15:20-24</a> The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/28-13.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-11.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-30.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-13.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-14.htm">Length</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">Night</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-16.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-13.htm">Straightway</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-12.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-5.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-11.htm">Length</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-25.htm">Night</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-27.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-12.htm">Straightway</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-22.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.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>Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground This phrase captures the urgency and immediacy of Saul's reaction. Saul's physical collapse reflects his spiritual and emotional state. In biblical context, falling to the ground often signifies despair or submission (e.g., <a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6</a>). Saul's fall can be seen as a culmination of his disobedience to God, as he had previously been rejected as king (<a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26-28</a>).terrified by the words of Samuel Saul's terror is rooted in the prophecy of his impending defeat and death, as relayed by the spirit of Samuel. This encounter with Samuel, who had been a prophet and judge over Israel, underscores the gravity of Saul's situation. The fear Saul experiences is reminiscent of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>), yet Saul's fear is devoid of hope due to his estrangement from God.And his strength was gone Saul's physical weakness mirrors his spiritual depletion. Throughout his reign, Saul's reliance on his own strength rather than God's guidance led to his downfall. This moment highlights the consequences of a life lived apart from divine support, as seen in other biblical figures who faltered when they strayed from God (e.g., Samson in <a href="/judges/16-20.htm">Judges 16:20</a>).because he had not eaten anything all that day and night Saul's fasting, whether intentional or due to distress, leaves him physically vulnerable. In biblical times, fasting was often associated with mourning or seeking divine intervention (e.g., <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>). However, Saul's fast lacks the spiritual focus seen in other scriptural examples, further emphasizing his isolation from God. This detail also foreshadows the physical and spiritual exhaustion that leads to his ultimate demise in battle.<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 after hearing Samuel's prophecy of his impending defeat and death. 2. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> The prophet who, though deceased, is brought up by the medium at Endor to deliver a message from God to Saul. 3. <a href="/topical/e/endor.htm">Endor</a> The location where Saul seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel, despite having previously banned such practices. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_medium.htm">The Medium</a> A woman at Endor who practices necromancy, which Saul had outlawed, yet he seeks her out in his desperation. 5. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The enemy nation that Saul is preparing to fight, whose impending battle leads him to seek guidance through forbidden means.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Saul's fear and weakness are direct results of his disobedience to God. Disobedience leads to spiritual and physical downfall. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_desperation.htm">The Dangers of Desperation</a> In his desperation, Saul turns to forbidden practices. Desperation can lead us away from God if we do not remain grounded in faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_nourishment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Nourishment</a> Saul's physical weakness mirrors his spiritual state. Regular spiritual nourishment through prayer and scripture is essential. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fear_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Fear in Decision-Making</a> Fear can paralyze and lead to poor decisions. Trust in God should guide our actions, not fear. <a href="/topical/t/the_finality_of_god's_word.htm">The Finality of God's Word</a> Samuel's message to Saul was final and unchangeable, reminding us of the authority and finality of God's word.<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/why_did_god_use_a_forbidden_method.htm">Why would God, who had stopped answering Saul (1 Samuel 28:6), allow this forbidden method to convey His message?</a> <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/how_is_samuel's_reappearance_explained.htm">How does the narrative explain Samuel's apparent reappearance if 1 Samuel 28:14-20 implies he was genuinely summoned from the dead?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_sam_31_4-5_and_2_sam_1_10_differ.htm">How can 1 Samuel 31:4-5 claim Saul died by falling on his own sword if 2 Samuel 1:10 says an Amalekite killed him?</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>(20) Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth.--Up to this period we must understand Saul listening to the prophet's words in that attitude of humble reverence which he assumed when he perceived that he was in the presence of Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm" title="And he said to her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man comes up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.">1Samuel 28:14</a>); but now, on hearing the words of awful judgment, crushed with terror and dismay, and previously weakened by a long fast and the fatigue of the rough night walk from Mount Gilboa to En-dor, he fell prostrate to the earth.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 20-25. - Saul fell straightway all along, i.e. at full length, on the earth. He fainted, partly from mental distress, partly from bodily exhaustion, as he had gone all the day and all the night without food. It was this long continued violent emotion of feeling which had driven Saul to this rash enterprise; but fasting and agony of mind were the worst possible preparation for a visit to one used to cajole her victims by pretended magical arts, and gifted, as people of her class usually are, with great shrewdness. But practised as she was in deceit, yet even in her triumph over her enemy she felt, when she saw him swoon away, a natural sympathy for his misery and weakness, and urged him to take food. Perhaps she saw that without it he could never have got back to the Israelite camp. At first he refused, but the necessity of it was so plain, that when the two men with him also urged it, he at last consented. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. During this colloquy he had remained prostrate upon the ground, but now he seated himself, not on a bed, but upon the raised bank, or divan, which runs along the wall of an Oriental house, and is furnished with carpets and cushions for men to sit or lie upon. There he rested, a prey, we may well believe, to bitter thoughts, while the woman hastily prepared a meal, killing a calf and baking unleavened cakes, as there was no time to leaven the dough. And so "they ate, and rose up, and departed that night." <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Immediately וַיְמַהֵ֣ר (way·ma·hêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4116.htm">Strong's 4116: </a> To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly Saul שָׁא֗וּל (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 fell וַיִּפֹּ֤ל (way·yip·pōl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie flat מְלֹא־ (mə·lō-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4393.htm">Strong's 4393: </a> Fullness, that which fills on the ground, אַ֔רְצָה (’ar·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land terrified וַיִּרָ֥א (way·yi·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten by the words מִדִּבְרֵ֣י (mid·diḇ·rê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause of Samuel. שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל (šə·mū·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel And גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and his strength כֹּ֙חַ֙ (kō·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> A small reptile (of unknown species) was הָ֣יָה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be gone, לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he had not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no eaten אָכַל֙ (’ā·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat anything לֶ֔חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> Food, bread, grain all that כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every day הַיּ֖וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day and וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every night. הַלָּֽיְלָה׃ (hal·lā·yə·lāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:20 Then Saul fell immediately his full length (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:21" /></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>