And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

1 SAMUEL 28:15KJV
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1 Samuel 28:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 28:15 mean?

1 Samuel 28:15 describes a moment when the prophet Samuel, brought up by a medium at Saul’s request, asks Saul why he has disturbed him. Saul replies that he is deeply troubled because the Philistines are attacking, God is no longer answering him through prophets or dreams, and he desperately wants Samuel’s guidance.

In this scene, Samuel is speaking to Saul after being summoned from the dead by a medium at Endor. Saul is in a state of fear and desperation, feeling abandoned by God (Elohim, אֱלֹהִים, H430) and unable to receive any divine direction. Saul’s distress is heightened by the silence from God and the looming threat of the Philistine army, leading him to seek help from Samuel, even through forbidden means.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 28:15

  • "Disquieted" (רָגַז, rāgaz, H7264) means to trouble, disturb, or agitate. Samuel’s question highlights the seriousness of Saul’s action in disturbing the rest of the dead, which was seen as a grave and unnatural act.
  • "Departed" (סוּר, sur, H5493) means to turn aside or depart. Saul’s use of this word emphasizes his sense of abandonment, feeling that God has actively withdrawn His presence and help.
  • "Distressed" (צָרַר, tsarar, H6887) means to be in anguish or under pressure. Saul’s choice of this word shows the depth of his emotional and mental turmoil as he faces both spiritual silence and military threat.

Why 1 Samuel 28:15 matters

  • This verse makes clear the depth of Saul’s desperation and isolation, showing that he feels cut off from every normal way of seeking God’s guidance.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of Saul’s decision to consult a medium, something forbidden in Israel, because he feels he has no other options left.
  • The conversation sets the stage for Samuel’s final message to Saul, which will confirm the consequences of Saul’s earlier choices and God’s silence.

Where else these words appear

“disquieted” Hebrew H7264 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 45:24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
  • Psalms 18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
  • Isaiah 32:11 Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins.

“dreams” Hebrew H2472 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • Genesis 41:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
  • Job 7:14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

“distressed” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
  • 1 Samuel 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.