1 Samuel 28

All 25 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

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1. 1Around that time, the Philistines assembled their armies to go to war against Israel. Achish told David, "I want you to understand clearly — you and your men will be marching into battle alongside me."
2. 2David replied, "Then you'll see for yourself what your servant can do." Achish said to David, "In that case, I'm making you my permanent bodyguard."
3. 3Now Samuel had died, and all of Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his hometown of Ramah. Saul had also banished those with familiar spirits and the wizards from the land.
4. 4The Philistines gathered and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul assembled the entire Israelite army and camped at Gilboa.
5. 5When Saul saw the size of the Philistine army, he was terrified — his heart pounded with fear.
6. 6Saul tried to seek guidance from the LORD, but the LORD didn't answer him — not through dreams, not through the Urim, and not through prophets.
7. 7So Saul told his servants, 'Find me a woman who has a familiar spirit so I can go consult her.' His servants told him, 'There's a woman at Endor who has a familiar spirit.'
8. 8Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes and went to the woman at night with two men. He said to her, 'Please perform divination for me using your familiar spirit and bring up the person I name to you.'
9. 9The woman said to him, "You know what Saul has done — he has removed those with familiar spirits and the wizards from the land. Why are you setting a trap for my life, to cause me to die?"
10. 10Saul swore an oath to her by the LORD, saying, "As the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this."
11. 11The woman asked, "Who do you want me to bring up?" He answered, "Bring up Samuel."
12. 12When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed. Then she turned to Saul and said, "Why did you deceive me? You're Saul!"
13. 13The king said to her, "Do not be afraid. What did you see?" The woman said to Saul, "I saw gods coming up out of the earth."
14. 14He asked her, "What does he look like?" She said, "An old man is coming up, wrapped in a robe." Saul knew it was Samuel, and he dropped to the ground, bowing with his face to the earth.
15. 15Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" Saul answered, "I'm in terrible trouble. The Philistines are waging war against me, and God has turned away from me. He won't answer me anymore — not through prophets, not through dreams. So I called on you to tell me what I should do."
16. 16Samuel replied, "Why are you asking me, when the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy?"
17. 17"The LORD has done exactly what he told you through me. He has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to your neighbor David."
18. 18This happened because you didn't obey the voice of the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites. That's why the LORD has done this to you today.
19. 19"What's more, the LORD will hand Israel over to the Philistines along with you. Tomorrow, you and your sons will be here with me. The LORD will also hand Israel's army over to the Philistines."
20. 20Saul immediately fell flat on the ground, very afraid because of Samuel's words. He had no strength left, as he hadn't eaten anything all day or all night.
21. 21The woman came over to Saul and saw how shaken he was. She said to him, "Look, I did what you asked. I risked my life and listened to everything you told me."
22. 22"Now please listen to me in return. Let me bring you a little food to eat so you'll have the strength to travel."
23. 23He refused and said, "I won't eat." But his servants and the woman kept urging him until he gave in. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed.
24. 24The woman had a fattened calf at her house. She quickly slaughtered it, then took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.
25. 25She served the meal to Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they got up and left that same night.