Old Testament
1 Samuel 28:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Samuel 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."
Compare translations
And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
What 1 Samuel 28:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Saul is desperate. He feels overwhelmed by the threat of the Philistines and believes that God has abandoned him. He turns to the spirit of Samuel, a prophet who has died, seeking guidance in his time of need. Samuel, however, is disturbed by Saul's actions, questioning why he has been summoned from rest. Saul's situation reflects a deep sense of hopelessness, as he feels cut off from divine communication. He has tried everything—prophets and dreams—but nothing has worked. This encounter highlights the lengths to which people will go when they feel lost and alone. Saul's plea reveals his vulnerability and the weight of his responsibilities as a king. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking guidance and the consequences of turning away from faith. Ultimately, Saul's desperation leads him to a place of seeking answers from the past, rather than trusting in the present or future. This moment captures the struggle between faith and fear, and the human desire for clarity in times of crisis.
How to apply 1 Samuel 28:15 to your life
When facing overwhelming challenges, it's easy to feel abandoned and lost. Instead of seeking answers in unhealthy ways, turn to trusted friends or mentors for support. Remember that faith can guide you through difficult times, even when it feels distant. Stay open to the possibilities of hope and clarity in your life journey. Trust the process of seeking help and guidance from those around you, rather than resorting to desperate measures.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Samuel's story: Saul and the Medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28:3–25)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Samuel
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 28:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 28:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 28:15 reveal about Saul's state of mind?
1 Samuel 28:15 shows Saul in a state of desperation and fear. He feels overwhelmed by the threat of the Philistines and believes that God has abandoned him, as he no longer receives guidance through prophets or dreams. This moment highlights his vulnerability and the heavy burden he carries as a king, illustrating how fear can lead individuals to seek help in unconventional and sometimes troubling ways.
Why does Samuel express disturbance in 1 Samuel 28:15?
Samuel expresses disturbance because he is summoned from rest by Saul, who is seeking guidance in a moment of crisis. This indicates that Saul's actions are seen as a violation of the natural order, as he is consulting a deceased prophet instead of relying on God. Samuel's reaction underscores the seriousness of Saul's situation and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.
What can we learn from Saul's actions in this verse?
Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 28:15 teach us about the dangers of desperation and the lengths people may go to when feeling lost. Instead of seeking help through faith or trusted advisors, Saul turns to the spirit of a dead prophet. This serves as a reminder to seek guidance through healthy and constructive means, rather than resorting to desperate measures that may lead to further distress.
How does this verse relate to the theme of faith?
This verse illustrates the struggle between faith and fear. Saul's desperation leads him to seek answers from the past rather than trusting in God's presence. It highlights the importance of maintaining faith, even in difficult times, and the consequences of feeling abandoned by God. The encounter serves as a reminder that faith can provide clarity and guidance, even when circumstances seem dire.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.