How tragic to see the king desperately seeking out someone to speak to the dead for him (1 Sam 28). Before you feel sorry for him, he’s brought this tragedy on himself by refusing to listen to (and obey) God’s Word (ch 15). He’s also got rid of the priests who spoke God’s word (ch 22). And now he’s desperate because God is not speaking to him. He is facing his enemies without God. Saul is so desperate that he goes to consult a medium. Here is a warning, do not ignore what God says. God has spoken to Saul by His Word, but Saul didn’t like it, so he ignored God. Now he’s in the awful situation of being ignored by God.
So Saul seeks someone to speak with the dead. Saul knew that God had forbidden this, (Deut 18:9-14) but he did it anyway. Well it seems to work, the medium consults Samuel, but tragically for Saul, Samuel simply confirms the Word already given. God has rejected Saul, he and his sons will die.
When Samuel says that Saul and his sons will be with him, he is simply referring to the place of the dead rather than meaning that they will be saved and with the Lord.
What an awful situation and a warning to us to listen to God’s Word while we have opportunity. Sadly none of us have listened to God’s Word perfectly. No one except Jesus, He always obeyed God’s Word, He delighted in God’s Word even to the point of dying in your place. This means that even if you have consulted the dead, you can still turn and be forgiven. And the question now is, why would you consult the dead when you can speak to the one who defeated death! Speaking to the dead leaves Saul trembling and weak. But our Lord Jesus offers peace and rest to all who come to Him.
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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