1 Samuel 28: 18-25….Saul terrified!

Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day. Moreover, the LORD will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The LORD will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”
Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night. And the woman came to Saul, and when she saw that he was terrified, she said to him, “Behold, your servant has obeyed you. I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to what you have said to me. Now therefore, you also obey your servant. Let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.” He refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, urged him, and he listened to their words. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed. Now the woman had a fattened calf in the house, and she quickly killed it, and she took flour and kneaded it and baked unleavened bread of it, and she put it before Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they rose and went away that night.

Comment: Samuel, with brutal honesty, reminds Saul of his failures, of God’s judgement and the result which is to come in this battle. The terrified Saul falls to the ground, seems to accept the verdict and is just a shell of a man, although he was meant to be a mighty kingly warrior.

The old witch shows a stronger character and gets him on the bed, fed and sent on his way. If Samuel is right, he is marching out to his death. (There were no biscuits in the cupboard so she had to prepare a snack in the way it is still done in many Eastern countries.)

Prayer: I know that I am far from perfect, but help me to be Your person, O God.