1 Samuel 28:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 28:25 mean?

1 Samuel 28:25 describes how the woman prepared food and served it to Saul and his servants, and after they ate, they got up and left that night. The verse shows Saul and his men accepting the meal before departing in the darkness.

In this scene, Saul is visiting the woman at Endor to seek guidance before a battle. The woman, after helping Saul, brings the meal to him and his servants. The verse marks the end of their visit, highlighting the practical act of eating together before Saul and his men leave to face what comes next.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 28:25

• "brought" (נָגַשׁ, nagash): This word often means to approach or present something. Here, it emphasizes the woman’s respectful act of serving Saul and his servants directly.
• "before" (פָּנִים, panim): Used twice in the verse, this word literally means "face" or "presence." It highlights that the food was set right in front of Saul and his men, showing personal attention.
• "up" (קוּם, qum): This verb means to rise or stand up. It signals a shift from resting or eating to action, marking the moment Saul and his servants prepare to leave.
• "night" (לַיְלָה, laylah): This word simply means "night," but its mention here sets the mood, reminding the reader that Saul’s actions are happening under cover of darkness.

Why 1 Samuel 28:25 matters

• The verse closes the episode with the woman at Endor, showing Saul’s vulnerability and dependence on others, even for basic needs like food.
• The mention of night underscores the secrecy and tension of Saul’s visit, connecting to the larger theme of Saul acting outside God’s guidance.
• The careful description of serving and eating highlights the customs of hospitality, even in a tense and unusual situation.