But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.

1 SAMUEL 28:23KJV
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1 Samuel 28:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 28:23 mean?

1 Samuel 28:23 describes how Saul at first refused to eat when urged by his servants and the woman, but after they insisted, he listened to them, got up from the ground, and sat on the bed. The verse shows Saul’s weakness and reluctance, but also his eventual acceptance of help from those around him.

In this scene, Saul is physically and emotionally exhausted after his encounter with the woman at Endor, where he sought guidance before a battle. His servants and the woman (the medium) see his distress and try to care for him by urging him to eat. The verse highlights Saul’s vulnerable state and the compassion shown by those present, as well as his eventual willingness to accept their care.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 28:23

  • "refused" (מָאֵן, ma'en): This word means to refuse or decline. Saul’s initial refusal shows his deep distress and unwillingness to take comfort or nourishment.
  • "compelled" (פָּצַר, patsar): This word often means to urge strongly or press someone. The servants and the woman did not simply suggest Saul eat; they insisted and pressed him until he agreed.
  • "hearkened" (שָׁמַע, shama’): This word means to listen or obey. Saul’s decision to listen to their urging marks a turning point in his response, showing he was moved by their concern.
  • "arose" (קוּם, qum) and "sat" (יָשַׁב, yashav): These words show Saul’s physical actions—getting up from the ground and sitting on the bed—emphasizing his weakened state and the effort it took for him to respond.

Why 1 Samuel 28:23 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that Saul was simply being stubborn; it shows he was deeply troubled and needed strong encouragement to even care for himself.
  • This moment highlights the humanity of Saul, as even a king can be brought low and need the help of others.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Saul’s isolation and desperation, setting the stage for the tragic events that follow in his story.

Where else these words appear

“bed” Hebrew H4296 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 47:31 And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.
  • 1 Kings 17:19 And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest,(for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.

“refused” Hebrew H3985 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 37:35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.
  • 1 Samuel 8:19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
  • Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

“compelled” Hebrew H6555 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:38 These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly.
  • Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.