SAUL SEEKS THE WITCH OF ENDOR

SAUL SEEKS A MEDIUM

Today we will be discussing Saul’s association with the Witch of Endor. We have come to a time in which Israel was mourning the death of Samuel.  The old prophet Samuel died and was buried in his own hometown, Rahmah. I’m sure no one mourned more than Saul, though it might have been for very selfish reasons. Saul had always followed Samuel’s advice. He knew that Samuel was a prophet who heard clearly from God. Samuel always knew what to do next.

Now Saul had no one to turn to for spiritual advice. He truly needed help with matters that were important for ruling Israel. At this point in his life, Saul had absolutely no spiritual discernment of his own. There were probably a million reasons for that fact.

Of course, the main reason preventing Saul’s lack of spiritual discernment was the fact that He made rebellious and self-centered decisions. These were decisions which went against God’s ways. For the same reasons, Saul was often haunted by demons. Godly discernment can only exist and thrive within a godly environment. God is holy. He will not dwell in the midst of chaos and rebellion.

Repenting and seeking a word from God did not seem to enter Saul’s demon-haunted and diseased mind. He had trusted his own instincts in the past and that had turned out to be disastrous. That was the only logical fact he could manage to achieve. He could only discern that he had no discernment. This troubled Saul deeply. He lived in constant fear.

PAST ADVICE FROM SAMUEL

In the early beginnings of his rule and reign, Saul had not been possessed by demons. He thought clearly and made the right decisions. One right decision which was in keeping with the will of YHWH and decided from the direction of Samuel was a law he made. Early on King Saul expelled all mediums and spiritists from the land.  This was one good decision of Saul’s reign as King. Later he broke his own rule.

In thinking about this fact, my mind pondered all the reasons why YHWH directed Samuel to advise Saul to make such a rule. The reasons we have been given through the scriptures do seem to make excellent sense. As we deal with life in today’s culture, we might be wise to heed the same actions. I wonder what life would be like today without the influence of mediums and/or psychics living in the land.

THE WITCH OF ENDOR

A medium is a person who allows themselves to be temporarily demon-possessed in order to hear from the spiritual world. They offer the use of their bodies for the spirits they conjure up for people. Some people seem to understand the word “spiritual” to mean “anything that will guide you to good.” That is so false. There are two spirit worlds. One is evil and one is good. One is angelic and ruled by YHWH. Another is demonic and ruled by Satan. Our physical world can be influenced and changed from either side.

These mediums (who are often called psychics) usually think they are actually hearing from the deceased, but more than likely, they are not. They too are deceived. Most consider themselves creators of a process for doing good for others, yet they actually put others in danger.

I will repeat that statement I have already made. Mediums (such as this Witch of Endor) are deceived. I cannot say those words without hearing the echo of Matthew 24:4-5 which was one of Yeshua’s last warnings to his followers before returning to The Father. And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

It is very easy for humans to be deceived by demonic powers attempting to destroy the plans of YHWH. That will never happen! God’s will will always prevail. Yet, the evil powers from the enemy will always be prowling around looking for the next target. Saul was an easy target. He was weak and had no faith. He was crazy enough to consult the Witch of Endor for the decisions concerning Israel.

DEMONS IMPERSONATING THE DEAD

Mediums/psychics/witches are actually hearing from demons impersonating the dead person whom they call forth. Therefore, a medium is basically a person who is helping Satan’s army of demons play tricks on people who are in power, making decisions, changing the outcomes of certain important situations and circumstances.

As a side-note I will mention the fact that mediums/psychics/witches have been invited to our nation’s capital and allowed to exercise powers. This is public knowledge. Fortunately, there are discerning followers of Yeshua who have prayed against their evil. We must constantly pray for God to protect our nation from such deceptive situations and circumstances. If Samuel were here today, he would again inform us to remove all mediums from the land. I can see so many parallels to today’s times hiding within Saul’s story.

DEMONS FLEE FROM PRAISE TO YHWH

We have already studied how demons would come and go in Saul. That is why he desired for David to play the harp. When David praised YHWH in the presence of the demons attacking Saul, they had to flee. Demons cannot stand in God’s presence. In the presence of YHWH demons lose all of their powers. If you wish to review a past lesson about David helping Saul, you might want to study this link: https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/david-meets-saul/.

Power is what Satan and his demons are all about. It gives them control and that is what they seek. To be higher than God they must have more power than God. It will never happen. Yet the demonic powers under the influence and control of Satan continue to have this goal. That is why you hear of so many royal, highly-placed government officials and appointed rulers going crazy and losing their minds.

One example that comes to mind is Hitler. He was deceived into thinking he was doing right when everything he did was evil. He was in a high government position, making him very vulnerable to the demonic. Demons work and possess those from which they can gain power and control. A king is a perfect target. Saul had made their purposes so much easier.

SCRIPTURAL EVIDENCE

After the demonic wrecked the life of Saul completely, Saul finally realized the truth. We heard his confession to David earlier. Saul knows he can no longer function within his own thinking. I want to point out that none of Saul’s way of thinking was biblical. Always consult the scriptures. There were other prophets and godly men Saul could have decided to consult. Yet he chose to turn to what was forbidden. He consulted a medium. God had forbidden this. Sounds a lot like Eve in the Garden of Eden to me.

Before we move on with the story, let’s back up what we are saying here by looking at two scriptures that speak of why YHWH does not want His people consulting mediums.

Leviticus 19:31: “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”

Deuteronomy 18:10-12: Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.  Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.

DETESTABLE TO THE LORD

Read that last line again. “Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.” So here we can see that Saul wasn’t just making bad sense for himself. He was the King of Israel. Whatever decisions he made affected the whole nation he ruled. This was the nation God had chosen to be a shinning example to all nations. Israel was the pattern for everyone. In consulting this medium, Saul had put himself as well as the nation in jeopardy.

DAVID WITHIN THE PHILISTINE BORDERS

All of today’s story happened during the year and four months when David hid out from Saul by pretending to be the bodyguard for King Achish of the Philistines.  King Achish was very busy and occupied by the preparations of his Philistine army to do battle against Israel.  He thought the Philistine borders were being protected by David. David was raiding the Amalekites and the Amorites who were also Israel’s enemies. All King Achish noticed was that David was protecting his country’s borders. This gained David great favor in the land. As a reward for his services King Achish had even given David Ziklag. Finally David had a place to call his own where he could dwell with his men.

King Achish was also happy with the arrangement. He believed that David had completely lost his allegiance to Israel.

COMPROMISES WITH THE ENEMIES

One day King Achish spoke to David about a further mission. It would go beyond protecting Philistine’s borders. The new assignment would make David and his men the official bodyguards of King Achish.

David was happy the way things were, living in Ziklag with his men and his own little family. I’m sure he was beginning to feel over-obligated to King Achish already. This seems to be a pattern of the universe. If you take favors from your enemies you can expect that they will ask things of you later which you may not want to do.  

So far David’s attacks on the Amalekites who were the enemies of the Philistines had deceived King Achish into thinking David had totally deserted Israel.  The Philistine King assumed that by now David had become completely loyal to the Philistines.

REVERSAL OF PROTECTION

In reality though, by attacking the Amalekites, David was defending Israel too.  It was his way of protecting the country he loved without the knowledge of King Saul. He could do this without King Achish realizing his motives.  This worked well for a long time because both countries (Israel and Philistine) had the same enemies in common. King Achish only saw that David was loyally defending his borders for him.

However, by requesting that David and his men become the King’s bodyguards, David would officially become an active part of the Philistine Army. David and his men would now be required to leave their families in Ziklag in order to accompany the Philistine’s army into battle.  This situation was different from being his own boss and protecting the borders.  David would no longer be able to choose his battles. He and his men would become official employees of the government of the King of Palestine.

DOING BATTLE WITH THE WRONG SIDE

This whole situation would look like David and his Mighty Men had given King Achish their complete allegiance. Worse than that, it would mean they would be required to do battle against their beloved Israel. They would be fighting against their own. In those days you did not say “no” to orders of the King.

As this predicament progressed further, King Achish’s army set up camp a Shunem.  This was a large valley with a great amount of land for battle. It strategically divided the settled lands of the tribes of Israel in half. The Philistines were operating on the theory of divide and conquer. It seemed a piece of cake now that Samuel was dead. No one could advise Israel of how to defeat their enemies now.

King Saul and his army set up camp at Gilboa. They were simply picking the best camping area for the troops to protect the nation. Israel stood to be totally divided in half. Saul hoped camping here would allow them to be close enough to the enemies to defeat them before that happened. He basically had no other choice but to fight. The Philistines greatly outnumbered Israel. They had modern weapons and many chariots.

Israel was less equipped. Their weapons were not modern. They had no chariots at all. The whole situation looked like a hopeless Armageddon which was quickly advancing toward Israel.

FEAR CONTROLS SAUL

On that fateful day, Saul looked up and saw the size of the Philistine army.  His heart was filled with terror.  In his fear, he inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him.  Saul no longer had dreams providing answers. Neither the Urim or the prophets had words or instructions from God for Saul.  Saul realized he could never win without God’s intervention.  He was very frustrated and terribly afraid.  Samuel’s absence made this situation so much worse.

In his frustration, King Saul called for his attendant. He told him to find a woman who was a medium.  He wanted to ask her to contact Samuel from the grave. He hoped to receive instructions as to what he should do next. However, Saul was well aware that this would be very wrong in the eyes of God. It actually went against the same laws that he and Samuel had implemented at the beginning of his rule.

THE PATTERN OF DISOBEDIENCE

How many times have we seen this same pattern play out in the scriptures?  It happens over and over.  Men are appointed and anointed by YHWH to bring forth His will for the people. Later though, these same men take matters into their own hands.   

YHWY is displeased. He becomes silent and withdraws His voice.  Instead of repenting and seeking God’s face, these very prideful men make their own choices.  They devise their own solutions to problems that only God has the ability to solve.  This never ends well.   

Here again we see the great contrast as to how David operated in times of trouble and how Saul operated. David would have immediately fallen to his knees, repented, sought God’s face and asked for protection for Israel. Saul gave his usual response to times of trouble. He turned his back on God and consulted with God’s enemies.

THE WITCH OF ENDOR

 Saul’s attendants found such a woman in Endor.  The name of the city of Endor means “fountain of Dor.” In Hebrew the masculine name of “Dor” means “generation” or “period of time” and is a nod to the cyclical nature of life in Jewish culture.

Remember how we mentioned previously that Saul had taken Samuel’s advice and banned mediums from Israel?  This tells us that Saul wasn’t just being vulnerable.  He knew and understood what a medium was and where their power came from.  They definitely are not messengers from God.  The power of the medium used to predict the future through spirits most likely comes from demons who work for Satan.  Saul clearly understood this.  Yet, he decided to consult such a woman.

Disguising himself as someone else, Saul and two of his men went to visit the woman known as The Witch of Endor.  When he arrived, Saul asked the woman to consult a spirit for him.  He wanted to ask the spirit to bring Samuel from the dead. This would be his way of knowing what Samuel would advise.

HELP FROM THE WRONG SOURCES

Just because a person is evil doesn’t necessarily mean they are stupid.  This woman was clever and quickly caught on to the fact that she could become trapped by Saul. Not knowing she was actually in his presence, she feared she would be convicted of breaking his laws.   The woman quickly informed Saul that the King had cut off all mediums and spiritists from the land.  She then asked him why he was setting a trap for her which could cause her to risk her life. 

Saul swore to her that she would never be punished for cooperating with his plan.  Finally convinced of this, the woman asked whom she should bring up from the dead.  Saul told her to bring up Samuel.

THE DIVINATION

Using the divination of a medium, the woman brought up Samuel. Was it really Samuel? That is debatable. When Samuel appeared she screamed.  Suddenly saw through Saul’s disguise and realized who Saul was.  Her memory must have kicked in. She might have realized how tall he was and thought of the fact that Saul was a head taller than most of the men of Israel. The woman was very frightened and it must have shown in her face.

Again, Saul assured her she wasn’t going to be punished.  Then he asked her to tell him what she had seen. The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.”   Saul perceived this to be Samuel.  He bowed down before him.  Samuel (or whoever it was) responded by asking “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”

SAUL SPEAKS TO SAMUEL

Saul explained that he was in great distress.  He spoke of how the Philistines were fighting against Israel.  Saul spoke of how God had departed from him and no longer answered him, either by prophets or dreams.  Thus, Saul explained that he had called up Samuel so that Samuel could advise him what to do.

Samuel (or whoever it really was) said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy?  The Lord has done what he predicted through me.  The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors – to David.  Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today.  The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.  The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”

A STRANGE MEAL WITH A STRANGE WOMAN

These words filled Saul with fear, and he fell to the ground.  His strength was drained.  He had not eaten all day or all night. Then the woman of Endor, seeing how shaken Saul was said, “Look, your servant has obeyed you.  I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do.  Now please listen to your servant and let me give you some food so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.”

SAUL’S LAST MEAL

But Saul refused to eat. Saul’s men soon joined the woman from Endor in urging Saul to eat.  Finally, Saul listened to his men.  He got up from the ground and sat on the couch.  The woman had a fattened calf butchered.  She took some flour and kneaded it and baked bread without yeast.  Then she set it before Saul and his men and they ate.  Afterwards, they got up and left.

It comes to mind with me that the slaughter of the fatted calf could have been a ritual act performed by the witch and offered as a meal for the dead. A fatted calf was what Abraham served to the three messengers to his tent on the day they received the message that Isaac would be born. These parallel scenes seems to be another perfect example of good and evil being opposites. Two like things for two totally opposite reasons.

OPPOSITE CELEBRATIONS

Abraham’s meal, where Sarah served bread without yeast, was in celebration of the good news of a life being given by God as a blessing.

The witch of Endor served her similar meal after a ceremony to honor Samuel from the dead, a forbidden practice which somehow God had allowed in this case. Samuel (if it actually was Samuel) also delivered a message about the future, only this message involved death instead of life.

In the ceremony at Endor, Saul learned that he and his sons would die tomorrow. The meal was probably Saul’s last meal. The opposite of the blessing was received. It was a curse that was delivered to Saul. This curse was one that Saul brought upon himself through so many times of blatant disobedience to God.

BLESSINGS OR CURSES

This brings the blessings and the curses of Israel to mind. Before he died Israel gave blessings to his sons. Later there was the ceremony held between two mountains which pronounced God’s blessings and curses upon Israel. Also, there were countless examples of many other times when God clearly showed His people the difference in these two ways to live. With one way a person can achieve life everlasting. The opposite, another way to live can bring only death and the grave.

Like Israel and all of those who went before him, Saul had made choices. All of the choices mattered to God. The good choices had brought him blessings. The bad choices had brought him curses. In the case of King Saul, the bad out-weighed the good choices. He was left with the things that he had brought upon himself.

THE CHOICES WE MAKE

Which way will we choose today? All choices in this life matter. God knows everything we do and every thought we have. He judges with righteousness. If we chose to communicate with Him about our faults and mistakes, His mercy and forgiveness are unlimited. But we must make that choice.

I will close today’s lesson with the words of Deuteronomy 30:19: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.”

Notice how how generations are implied in this verse. It seems to be indicating what to do so that our future offspring might live. This goes right along with the Hebraic definition of the city of Endor given at the start of this lesson. The whole point seems to be that the choices we make today will affect those that live in the world after we are no longer here. Unlike Saul, we must choose wisely.

PRAYER: Lord help us to always choose life over death, good over evil, your ways over the ways of the world. Please help our nation’s leaders to realize the importance of this. Influence their choices to be choices that conform to your laws and your ways. May you always direct their paths, influence their decisions and lead them toward Your will and Your ways so that all the earth may be blessed from their obedience. Amen