## Dark Days for Saul - Life of Saul - 7

We have observed Saul's reign as king of Israel begin with great promise, but then disintegrate right before his eyes due to his own dishonesty and disobedience. This evening we want to look at a very dark period in the life of king Saul. Remember that we are looking at Saul's life with the goal and purpose of learning from his mistakes. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul noted that the things that were recorded from Israel's history were given to be examples to each of us today (1 Co. 10:11). We began this study with the admonition of the Lord, Himself, to be careful that we do not lose our 'crown' (Rev. 3:11). With that in mind, as we look into this 28th chapter of 1 Samuel we see a period of time in the life of king Saul that must have been horrible for him. It was a time of darkness, many question whether a 'saved' person could ever sink so low as Saul did here. I believe that it is possible for a person to become so deeply entangled in their sin that they begin to act like and 'unsaved' person. We also need to heed this warning by way of example.

I. The Circumstances. v3-6

A. Saul's Honorable Action. (3)

1. Previous to this time, Saul had put away all who "had familiar spirits and wizards".

2. Saul had literally run them out of the country, and rightfully so.

3. These were involved in the occult…they would seek to conjure up the ghosts or spirits of dead people.

4. God had condemned this practice and given clear instruction on how they were to be dealt with.

(Exo 22:18) Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

(Deu 18:10-11) There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, {11} Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

5. This had no doubt taken place earlier in the reign of Saul, during his obedient period.

B. Saul's cause for concern. (4-5)

1. The ever-present threat of the Philistines drew nearer.

2. Now they were ready to attack and Saul was scared of what would happen.

3. David was no longer a part of Saul's army; he had left the area fleeing from Saul's death threats.

4. Note the wording, "his heart greatly trembled" 5. Saul had no desire to face this enemy again.

C. Saul's spiritual problems were magnified. (6)

1. He had 'inquired of the Lord' but the Lord didn't answer.

2. There is comfort in the heart of the believer that when he is faced with some frightful task, he can find strength and encouragement from the Lord.

3. But, when a child of God is out of fellowship with the Lord, there is no comfort.

4. In fact it adds to our fear that God may allow the situation to become worse, to chasten us for our disobedience.

5. Saul received no direction from God in his 'dreams', through his 'prophets', or from the 'Urim' (a reference to the priests).

6. Everywhere Saul turned, there was no message from God.

7. Now this is truly a dark place! To be in a place where there is no response from God is a terrifying place to be.

8. It is interesting to note that Saul did not come to God in repentance for his sin, he expected God to be there for him.

II. The Dark Act of Desperation. v7-25

A. The Trip to Endor. (7-10)

1. Saul seeks for a medium.

2. Interestingly enough, his servants knew where one could be found.

3. Saul disguises himself and heads to her house.

4. Some thoughts:

a. Why would she be there and practicing her craft?

b. Why would they go to her at night?

c. Why would Saul disguise himself?

d. Why would he promise her that no harm would come to her?

5. After some persuasion she agrees to perform the ceremony for them.

B. The deceiver is deceived. (11-14)

1. This woman had made her living by calling on 'familiar spirits' and deceiving people into thinking they were the people they wanted to talk to.

2. Now she calls on her 'familiar spirit' but and unfamiliar spirit arrives!

3. It is the spirit of Samuel!

4. She immediately realizes that she has been tricked!

C. The message from beyond the grave (15-19)

1. Samuel is not pleased that Saul has done this thing.

2. He reminds him that while living, he had delivered God's message of rejection to Saul.

3. He reminds him why it was that God had rejected Saul from being the king over Israel.

4. He gives Saul an answer to his inquiries.

a. Tomorrow God will allow Israel to be defeated by the Philistines.

b. Not only will Saul suffer a defeat, both he and his sons will die on the battlefield.

c. This was most certainly not the message that Saul wanted to hear!

D. Saul's response to Samuel's words. (20-25)

1. Saul collapsed on the ground.

2. The witch and his servants finally convince him to eat something, and when his strength returns he and his servants return to their encampment.

Dark days indeed for the king. How could this have happened? He had such promise in the beginning. But we are reminded that it matters little how we begin the race, what matters is how we finish. His sinful pride kept him from doing right before God, and there is no one to blame for his failure but himself.

The application is clear enough isn't it? Circumstances, other people, life's unexpected developments, none of these things are valid excuses for not doing what is right. We fail to obey and then wonder why we must face the consequences of our own disobedience. We need to learn from king Saul's example.