FocusRestraint, refuge, and collapse
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's movements as a fugitive contrast with Saul's decline, and the book ends with Saul's death in battle.
interpretation 1 Samuel 28:6
KJVAnd when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
Read it in context
The Philistines Gather against Israel
Start reading at 1 Samuel 28:1 (1 Samuel 28:1 to 1 Samuel 28:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's movements as a fugitive contrast with Saul's decline, and the book ends with Saul's death in battle.
- 28:1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.
- 28:2 And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
- 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
- 28:4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
- 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
- 28:6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Tradition associates Samuel with the earlier material and Nathan and Gad with its continuation. Samuel dies during the narrative, so he did not write the complete account; the final compiler is unknown. Biblical references: 1 Samuel 25:1; 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Samuel 27:1–28:25): David deals with Achish among the Philistines, while Saul prepares for war and consults the woman at Endor. These are different scenes, not one common audience. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israelite readers considering the rise of the monarchy and the transition from Saul to David. A more exact first readership cannot be established. Biblical references: 1 Samuel 8:4; 1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Samuel 31:6. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Philistines Gather against Israel. Read 1 Samuel 28:1 through 1 Samuel 28:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's movements as a fugitive contrast with Saul's decline, and the book ends with Saul's death in battle. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative spans Samuel's upbringing, Israel's request for a king, Saul's reign, and David's emergence before Saul's death. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Events occur at Shiloh, among Israel's towns, in Philistine territory, and in places of David's flight. The chapter identifies the immediate setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Philistines Gather against Israel (1 Samuel 28:1 to 1 Samuel 28:6). Start reading at 1 Samuel 28:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Acts 13 connects Samuel, Saul, and David with the subsequent coming of Jesus from David's seed. David's anointing belongs to that historical line; it does not turn every conflict into a direct messianic prediction. See Acts 13:20, Acts 13:21, Acts 13:22, Acts 13:23. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Evaluate leadership by hearing and obeying God rather than appearance or initial success. David's restraint toward Saul can be considered with its narrated reasons rather than generalized into approval of wrongdoing by leaders. interpretation
Cited: 1 Samuel 28:1, 1 Samuel 28:6, Acts 13:20, Acts 13:21, Acts 13:22, Acts 13:23
Who wrote it, and how we know
Samuel, with Nathan and Gad (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Samuel, Nathan, and Gad.
1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Samuel, with Nathan and Gad continuing after his death.
What is debatedSamuel dies partway through the account, so he cannot have written all of it. The final form is later.
Related passages
- enquired 1 Sam 14:37 1 Chr 10:14 Prov 1:27-28 Lam 2:9 Ezek 20:1-3 John 9:31 Jas 4:3
- by dreams Gen 28:12-15 Gen 46:2-4 Num 12:6 Job 33:14-16 Jer 23:28 Matt 1:20
- by Urim Exod 28:20 Num 27:21 Deut 33:8
- by prophets Ps 74:9 Lam 2:9 Ezek 20:3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Samuel 28
First Samuel follows the transition from the judges to kingship and the rise of David during Saul's reign. It records Samuel's death before the book ends; attributing every line to Samuel would therefore exceed the narrative's evidence. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Samuel 8:5 1 Samuel 16:13 1 Samuel 25:1
Saul and the Medium of Endor
1 Samuel 28:7–25FocusRestraint, refuge, and collapse
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. David's movements as a fugitive contrast with Saul's decline, and the book ends with Saul's death in battle.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Samuel
First Samuel follows the transition from the judges to kingship and the rise of David during Saul's reign. It records Samuel's death before the book ends; attributing every line to Samuel would therefore exceed the narrative's evidence.
1 Samuel 8:5 1 Samuel 16:13 1 Samuel 25:1
Samuel and the word of the LORD
1 Samuel 1:1–7:17FocusLeadership, the ark, and return
Connection to the wholeSamuel's upbringing and calling stand beside the failures of Eli's house and the ark narrative, leading to Israel's return to the LORD.
interpretation Saul's kingship
1 Samuel 8:1–15:35FocusAppointment and disobedience
Connection to the wholeThe establishment of kingship is followed by Saul's failures, and the LORD's rejection of his kingship prepares the choice of David.
interpretation David rises and Saul resists
1 Samuel 16:1–20:42FocusAnointing, service, and hostility
Connection to the wholeDavid's public emergence and relationships develop alongside Saul's growing hostility.
interpretation FocusRestraint, refuge, and collapse
Connection to the wholeDavid's movements as a fugitive contrast with Saul's decline, and the book ends with Saul's death in battle.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.