No Fences Required

But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless?” 1^st Samuel 26:9 (NKJV)

The narrative of Saul tells us of Samuel’s sorrow over the king’s failures. He mourned to such a point the LORD finally reproached the prophet saying, “How long will you mourn over Saul?” then sent him to anoint David as king (1^st Samuel 16:1). The LORD still protected Saul from harm as he had been in David’s power to kill him twice (1^st Samuel 24:3-4, 26:1-12). Both times David withheld his hand from touching Saul in respect to God’s anointing him as the king of Israel. He trusted God to judge Saul rightly.

After Samuel’s death Saul’s wrath and disobedience increased. As he withdrew his obedience the LORD withdrew His help, leaving the man desperate to hear from Him and desperate people do desperate and dangerous things.

The king went against the commandment of the LORD to have nothing to do with soothsayers, diviners, mediums, those that consult the spirits of the dead, or use witchcraft (white or black magic). Ones engaging in these practices were worthy of death (Leviticus 20:27). As there was an imminent battle with the Philistines brewing, and God was silent, Saul was frantic for some leading from the LORD and went to a witch in the village of En Dor, a medium, to call up Samuel from the dead.

The woman did not know it was Saul and asked, “Who shall I bring up for you?” Saul said, “Bring up Samuel for me.” (1 Sam 28:11-12). When the witch saw it was Samuel she screamed and knew it was Saul and that she faced punishment. As Scripture is clear that it is appointed for us once to die and then the judgment (2^nd Corinthians 5:8, Luke 16:24) the only “spirits” anyone can be in contact with are satanic beings masquerading as humans to lead the gullible into error. So, who appeared to Saul? Was it actually Samuel, or a demonic being sent to deceive?

The debate still revolves around this issue, and it remains split. My late brother and I strongly disagreed on this. He believed this was a demonic being acting as Samuel. I believe the evidence is more in favor that it was Samuel as nowhere in Scripture does it correct the reader to believe otherwise in something God strictly forbade.

I believe God allowed this as a onetime judgment against Saul. Whether it was or was not Samuel is a matter of personal conjecture. After weighing the evidence, disagreement does not affect our salvation, nor should it separate us in our fellowship with one another. It is one of those gray areas of biblical exegesis. We will know the truth one day.

We must be warned, though, that even today anything that involves occultic practices, spiritism, fortune telling, Ouija boards, tarot cards, or dealing with ‘souls of the dead’ is to be shunned and not touched in any way. These occultic practices can open the door to demonic intrusion into our lives and households and are an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:12). Trust in Him alone.

Samuel was angry he had been disturbed. Saul did get the word he was hoping for from the Lord, and the word he got was not to his liking. Samuel told him by the same time the next day Saul would be dead.

He had a kingdom given to him with the chance to be blessed and prospered by obedience to God. He had it all and could have bequeathed his legacy to his children. Instead, it was taken from him and given to another. Consistent disobedience brings consistent distress, and to the believer, the Father’s love brings discipline, correction and reconciliation.

Jesus says for us to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first and the rest will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). Obedience brings peace and rest, peace of mind in a conscience at ease and peace and rest in body and soul, and spirit.

Saul paid the piper as king, but always danced on the fence. We must remember 98% obedience to God is 100% disobedience. When we obey, the only dancing we can do is with joy. When we seek His kingdom and righteousness first, He brings us His peace, love, and joy like an ocean. No fences needed.

Ken