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 Saul’s use of this word emphasizes his sense of abandonment, feeling that God has actively withdrawn His presence and help.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.