1 samuel 28:23 - But he refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed.
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What does "1 samuel 28:23" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of King Saul, just before his final battle. Let's break it down:
"But he refused, and said, 'I will not eat.'": Saul is deeply distressed and weakened. He's just consulted the witch of Endor and heard a terrifying prophecy from what he believes to be the spirit of Samuel - a prophecy of his and his sons' imminent death. He is so distraught that he refuses to eat, likely because he is in mourning, overwhelmed with fear, and potentially feeling unworthy.
"But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice.": Saul's servants and the witch of Endor recognize that he needs physical sustenance. They urge (and even force) him to eat. "Constrained" suggests they used persuasion, perhaps combined with gentle force, to convince him. Saul, in his weakened state, eventually relents and listens to them. They know he needs strength to face the coming battle. The witch, specifically, would have wanted to ensure Saul had the strength to leave her house after breaking the law by consulting her.
"So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed.": Saul had been prostrate on the ground, likely in a state of grief, despair, or even shock. Eating gives him enough strength to get up and sit on the bed, signifying a return to some semblance of composure and preparedness.
In essence, the verse illustrates:
Saul's deep distress and despair: He is physically and emotionally broken by the prophecy.
The compassion and practicality of his servants and the witch: They understand his need for physical nourishment, even in the midst of his despair.
A turning point, however small: Eating gives Saul a degree of strength and allows him to face his fate, however unwillingly. It marks the moment he chooses to deal with the inevitable rather than continue to give in to despair. It prepares him for his final day.
This seemingly simple act of eating is important because it shows Saul accepting his fate and gathering the strength to face it. It highlights the importance of basic needs, even in times of great spiritual or emotional turmoil. It also underscores the role of support systems, even unexpected ones (like the witch), in helping someone navigate a crisis.
1 samuel 28:23 - But he refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed.
What does "1 samuel 28:23" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of King Saul, just before his final battle. Let's break it down:
"But he refused, and said, 'I will not eat.'": Saul is deeply distressed and weakened. He's just consulted the witch of Endor and heard a terrifying prophecy from what he believes to be the spirit of Samuel - a prophecy of his and his sons' imminent death. He is so distraught that he refuses to eat, likely because he is in mourning, overwhelmed with fear, and potentially feeling unworthy.
"But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice.": Saul's servants and the witch of Endor recognize that he needs physical sustenance. They urge (and even force) him to eat. "Constrained" suggests they used persuasion, perhaps combined with gentle force, to convince him. Saul, in his weakened state, eventually relents and listens to them. They know he needs strength to face the coming battle. The witch, specifically, would have wanted to ensure Saul had the strength to leave her house after breaking the law by consulting her.
"So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed.": Saul had been prostrate on the ground, likely in a state of grief, despair, or even shock. Eating gives him enough strength to get up and sit on the bed, signifying a return to some semblance of composure and preparedness.
In essence, the verse illustrates:
Saul's deep distress and despair: He is physically and emotionally broken by the prophecy.
The compassion and practicality of his servants and the witch: They understand his need for physical nourishment, even in the midst of his despair.
A turning point, however small: Eating gives Saul a degree of strength and allows him to face his fate, however unwillingly. It marks the moment he chooses to deal with the inevitable rather than continue to give in to despair. It prepares him for his final day.
This seemingly simple act of eating is important because it shows Saul accepting his fate and gathering the strength to face it. It highlights the importance of basic needs, even in times of great spiritual or emotional turmoil. It also underscores the role of support systems, even unexpected ones (like the witch), in helping someone navigate a crisis.