"Saul then said to his attendants, 'Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.' 'There is one in Endor,' they said."

"When Fear Replaces Faith: A Lesson from Saul's Desperation"

1 Samuel 28:7 captures a desperate moment in King Saul’s life. Faced with silence from God, Saul turns to a forbidden source—the medium at Endor—for guidance. This verse is a powerful warning about what happens when fear overwhelms our faith and when we seek answers outside of God’s will. It invites us to examine our own hearts: in moments of silence and struggle, will we wait on the Lord or turn to shortcuts that lead us further from Him?

Meditation

"Saul then said to his attendants, 'Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.' 'There is one in Endor,' they said."

This bible verse appears at a dark point in King Saul’s story. Once chosen by God to lead Israel, Saul had allowed pride, disobedience, and fear to dominate his leadership. By the time we reach 1 Samuel 28, Saul finds himself abandoned— not because God is unfaithful, but because Saul had long been walking away from God. 

1. The Tragedy of Spiritual Silence

The immediate context of this verse is critical. The Philistines were preparing to attack Israel. Saul, terrified and unsure, inquired of the Lord , but received no answer —not by dreams, nor through the prophets, nor by the Urim (a method of divine inquiry used by priests). This silence was not arbitrary; it was the result of Saul’s repeated disobedience and rejection of God’s commands (see 1 Samuel 15).

“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.” – Proverbs 28:9

God had already removed His Spirit from Saul and had appointed David to succeed him. In his distress, Saul could not hear God—not because God is silent to the humble—but because Saul’s heart had grown hard.

2. When Fear Overrides Obedience

Saul’s fear pushed him to a dangerous decision. In verse 7, he commands his attendants to find a medium —someone who communicates with the dead. This was a direct violation of God’s law:

“Let no one be found among you… who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium…” – Deuteronomy 18:10–11

Earlier in his reign, Saul had actually expelled all mediums and spiritists from the land, in obedience to God's commands. Yet here, in a moment of desperation, he abandons what he knows is right to pursue what he hopes will give him answers.

This is the danger of unbridled fear: it tempts us to compromise our convictions for temporary relief. But when we do, we invite spiritual confusion, regret, and ultimately separation from God’s peace.

3. The Futility of Seeking Outside God’s Will

Even though Saul did consult the medium and even appeared to speak with a spirit resembling Samuel, the result was not peace or clarity. Instead, it led to further despair. He received no encouragement, no new direction—only confirmation of his downfall.

Turning to the world’s answers, when God seems silent, may offer a momentary illusion of control —but it never produces true hope.

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” – Isaiah 31:1

Saul's story reminds us that God’s silence is not an excuse to sin. It is a call to deeper repentance, humility, and faith.

4. Trusting God in the Silence

What should Saul have done? He should have waited . He should have repented of his past disobedience, humbled himself before the Lord, and remained still—even in uncertainty. This is hard, but it is what faith requires.

When we don’t hear God's voice, we must cling to His character . He is still good. He is still near. His silence may be a test, not a rejection. Often, He is working in us more deeply during those times than we can perceive.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” – Psalm 37:7

Bible verse of the day

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who speaks, leads, and guides Your children. Forgive me for the times I’ve grown impatient in silence or sought answers apart from You. Help me to trust You—not only when Your voice is clear but especially when I must wait.

Strengthen my faith so that fear never leads me away from Your will. Keep my heart tender, my spirit humble, and my life aligned with Your Word. When confusion clouds my path, may I rest in the assurance that You are still God—and You are still good.

Let me seek You alone, and never settle for substitutes that lead me further from Your truth.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.