This verse from 1 Samuel 28:20 describes Saul's reaction after hearing Samuel's spirit deliver a devastating prophecy. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then Saul fell immediately his full length on the earth..." This shows the profound and immediate impact of Samuel's words. Saul's physical reaction is one of complete collapse. He is overwhelmed by the message, indicating intense fear and despair. The phrase "full length" emphasizes the totality of his reaction. He's not just kneeling or bowing; he's completely prostrate.
"...and was terrified, because of Samuel’s words." This clarifies the reason for Saul's collapse: abject terror. Samuel's prophecy was not just bad news; it spelled out Saul's imminent doom: defeat in battle and the loss of his kingdom. The source of the fear is not just the words themselves, but the fact that they came from the spirit of Samuel, a figure whom Saul respected and believed was truly communicating with him.
"There was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all day long or all night long." This explains Saul's physical weakness. He had been fasting in anticipation of the encounter with Samuel, likely fueled by anxiety and desperation. This physical vulnerability further emphasizes his broken state. The lack of food weakens him physically, making him more susceptible to the emotional impact of the prophecy. It also shows his desperation, having gone without food for an entire day and night, hoping to receive guidance or favor.
In summary, this verse paints a picture of Saul in utter despair. He is physically and emotionally broken by Samuel's prophecy of impending doom. He collapses from a combination of terror, despair, and physical exhaustion caused by his fasting. It highlights the consequences of Saul's disobedience and his desperate attempt to seek guidance through forbidden means (necromancy).
This verse from 1 Samuel 28:20 describes Saul's reaction after hearing Samuel's spirit deliver a devastating prophecy. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then Saul fell immediately his full length on the earth..." This shows the profound and immediate impact of Samuel's words. Saul's physical reaction is one of complete collapse. He is overwhelmed by the message, indicating intense fear and despair. The phrase "full length" emphasizes the totality of his reaction. He's not just kneeling or bowing; he's completely prostrate.
"...and was terrified, because of Samuel’s words." This clarifies the reason for Saul's collapse: abject terror. Samuel's prophecy was not just bad news; it spelled out Saul's imminent doom: defeat in battle and the loss of his kingdom. The source of the fear is not just the words themselves, but the fact that they came from the spirit of Samuel, a figure whom Saul respected and believed was truly communicating with him.
"There was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all day long or all night long." This explains Saul's physical weakness. He had been fasting in anticipation of the encounter with Samuel, likely fueled by anxiety and desperation. This physical vulnerability further emphasizes his broken state. The lack of food weakens him physically, making him more susceptible to the emotional impact of the prophecy. It also shows his desperation, having gone without food for an entire day and night, hoping to receive guidance or favor.
In summary, this verse paints a picture of Saul in utter despair. He is physically and emotionally broken by Samuel's prophecy of impending doom. He collapses from a combination of terror, despair, and physical exhaustion caused by his fasting. It highlights the consequences of Saul's disobedience and his desperate attempt to seek guidance through forbidden means (necromancy).