1 Samuel 28:8

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَفِي تِلْكَ اللَّيلَةِ تَنَكَّرَ شَاوُلُ وَلَبِسَ مَلَابِسَ أُخْرَى لِئَلَّا يَعْرِفَهُ أحَدٌ. وَذَهَبَ شَاوُلُ يَرَافِقُهُ اثْنَانِ مِنْ رِجَالِهِ لِرُؤيَةِ المَرْأةِ. فَقَالَ شَاوُلُ لَهَا: «أُرِيدُكِ أنْ تُصْعِدِي لِي مَنْ يُخْبِرُنِي بِمَا سَيَحْدُثُ مُسْتَقْبَلًا. أصْعدِي الشَّخْصَ الَّذِي أُعْطِيكِ اسْمَهُ.»

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, King Saul is asking a woman with a familiar spirit to bring back the spirit of Samuel so he can speak to him. Saul is disguised and accompanied by two men to keep his visit a secret. The key message is about Saul's desperation and turning to forbidden practices.

Explained for Children

Imagine King Saul is like a kid who is really scared about a big test and tries to cheat by asking a ghost for help. He dresses up like someone else and brings friends to visit a lady who can talk to ghosts. He wants to talk to Samuel, an old friend, to get some advice.

Historical Background

1 Samuel was likely written by Samuel, Nathan, and Gad. It was written around 930 BC and is aimed at the Israelites to show the importance of following God's leadership. In Saul's time, seeking out spirits was forbidden and considered a very dangerous practice.

Living It Out Today

Today, this can be like a boss who is so worried about losing their job that they start believing in unproven remedies or advice. It's a reminder that turning to God and seeking wise counsel is better than seeking help from unreliable sources.

Topics

• sin
• desperation
• spiritual guidance
• forbidden practices
• divination
• leadership

Related Verses

• Leviticus 19:31
• Deuteronomy 18:10-11
• Isaiah 8:19
• Acts 16:16-18
• 1 Timothy 4:1

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Saul seeking Samuel's spirit?

Saul was in a desperate situation and was seeking advice or comfort from Samuel, whom he knew was a trusted advisor and prophet in the past.

What was the familiar spirit?

The familiar spirit was a form of medium or witch who was believed to have the ability to communicate with spirits or the dead, a practice strictly forbidden in Israel.

How does this relate to Saul's leadership?

This action shows Saul's deep desperation and his departure from God's guidance, which ultimately led to his downfall as a leader.

What can we learn from Saul's mistake?

We can learn the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance rather than turning to forbidden or unreliable sources, especially in times of crisis.