1Sa 28:9 | MHM | STEP | v. 9 : Saul tells the woman what he wants: to bring up the spirit of someone from the dead so he can talk to them. This practice, called necromancy, is forbidden by God’s law (Deuteronomy 18:11; Isaiah 8:19 ). The woman is afraid and says, “You know what Saul has done” (1 Samuel 28:9 ). She thinks this might be a trap. It is interesting that she cares more about breaking Saul’s law than God’s law, which shows that people often fear human punishment more than God’s judgment. She might also mention the danger to get more money from Saul, as such services would cost a lot. Saul promises her safety, even though as king, it was his job to punish such acts. He takes an oath, saying, “There shall no punishment happen to thee” (1 Samuel 28:10 ), but this is a promise he cannot truly make, since he cannot protect her from God’s punishment.

‏ 1 Samuel 28:9

v. 9: Saul tells the woman what he wants: to bring up the spirit of someone from the dead so he can talk to them. This practice, called necromancy, is forbidden by God’s law (Deuteronomy 18:11; Isaiah 8:19 ^a). The woman is afraid and says, “You know what Saul has done” (1 Samuel 28:9 ^b). She thinks this might be a trap. It is interesting that she cares more about breaking Saul’s law than God’s law, which shows that people often fear human punishment more than God’s judgment. She might also mention the danger to get more money from Saul, as such services would cost a lot. Saul promises her safety, even though as king, it was his job to punish such acts. He takes an oath, saying, “There shall no punishment happen to thee” (1 Samuel 28:10 ^c), but this is a promise he cannot truly make, since he cannot protect her from God’s punishment.