This verse from 1 Samuel 28:21 is a key moment in the story of Saul's consultation with the witch of Endor. Let's break down its meaning:
"The woman came to Saul, and saw that he was very troubled..." This sets the scene. Saul, the king of Israel, is in deep distress. He has just consulted with the witch (or medium) of Endor to conjure up the spirit of Samuel, the deceased prophet. He's likely shaken by the encounter and the grim message Samuel delivered.
"...and said to him, “Behold, your servant has listened to your voice..." The woman is addressing Saul respectfully, referring to herself as his servant. She acknowledges that she has followed his instructions. This is important because she knows he's desperate and vulnerable.
"...and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me." This is the heart of the verse. It means:
"I have put my life in my hand": This is an idiom meaning she took a great risk. Consulting spirits was forbidden by Saul himself (1 Samuel 28:3). She could have been killed for what she did, both by Saul (if he had changed his mind) or by others adhering to the law. It emphasizes her obedience and the danger she faced.
"and have listened to your words which you spoke to me": She reiterates that she followed his instructions exactly. She's emphasizing her commitment to him despite the risks.
In summary, the verse highlights:
Saul's desperation: He is visibly troubled and in need of comfort.
The woman's bravery (or perhaps cunning): She emphasizes the personal risk she undertook to help him.
Saul's dependence: He is reliant on someone he would normally condemn.
The reversal of power dynamics: The King is in a vulnerable state, and the woman who should fear him, is now taking care of him.
Context is Key: This verse immediately precedes the woman's act of compassion in feeding Saul. She sees his distress, realizes he is weak from fasting and fear, and offers him food. This simple act of kindness contrasts sharply with the grimness of the preceding events and reveals a surprising humanity in the witch of Endor. While the scripture may condemn the consultation, it also presents her as someone who shows compassion to a troubled leader.
This verse from 1 Samuel 28:21 is a key moment in the story of Saul's consultation with the witch of Endor. Let's break down its meaning:
"The woman came to Saul, and saw that he was very troubled..." This sets the scene. Saul, the king of Israel, is in deep distress. He has just consulted with the witch (or medium) of Endor to conjure up the spirit of Samuel, the deceased prophet. He's likely shaken by the encounter and the grim message Samuel delivered.
"...and said to him, “Behold, your servant has listened to your voice..." The woman is addressing Saul respectfully, referring to herself as his servant. She acknowledges that she has followed his instructions. This is important because she knows he's desperate and vulnerable.
"...and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me." This is the heart of the verse. It means:
"I have put my life in my hand": This is an idiom meaning she took a great risk. Consulting spirits was forbidden by Saul himself (1 Samuel 28:3). She could have been killed for what she did, both by Saul (if he had changed his mind) or by others adhering to the law. It emphasizes her obedience and the danger she faced.
"and have listened to your words which you spoke to me": She reiterates that she followed his instructions exactly. She's emphasizing her commitment to him despite the risks.
In summary, the verse highlights:
Saul's desperation: He is visibly troubled and in need of comfort.
The woman's bravery (or perhaps cunning): She emphasizes the personal risk she undertook to help him.
Saul's dependence: He is reliant on someone he would normally condemn.
The reversal of power dynamics: The King is in a vulnerable state, and the woman who should fear him, is now taking care of him.
Context is Key: This verse immediately precedes the woman's act of compassion in feeding Saul. She sees his distress, realizes he is weak from fasting and fear, and offers him food. This simple act of kindness contrasts sharply with the grimness of the preceding events and reveals a surprising humanity in the witch of Endor. While the scripture may condemn the consultation, it also presents her as someone who shows compassion to a troubled leader.