1 Samuel 28, Talking With The Dead

March 27, 2026·25 min·2 clips

King Saul, rejected by God, secretly visits a witch to summon the dead prophet Samuel for guidance.

The episode begins with an introduction to 1 Samuel 28, focusing on the theme of talking with the dead. Hosts John Matthews and Esther Sisulu provide context: King Saul, rejected by God, is desperate as the Philistines gather for war. When God refuses to answer him, Saul disguises himself and visits the witch of Endor to summon Samuel. The witch successfully calls up an apparition that identifies as Samuel, prophesying Saul's death and Israel's defeat. John and Esther then delve into scholarly debate, noting some believe it was an evil spirit because God forbids necromancy. They reference Leviticus 20:6 and Deuteronomy 18:10-11, which explicitly prohibit consulting mediums and necromancers. The hosts discuss why people seek such practices, warning against demonic deception and emphasizing that Satan can appear as an angel of light. Esther asks about praying to saints, and John redirects to trusting God through Jesus as the only mediator. The conversation shifts to Old Testament afterlife concepts, explaining that Samuel's rise from the ground reflects Hebrew beliefs in Sheol, not heaven. John notes that eternal salvation details emerge more fully in the New Testament. The episode wraps with a chapter summary stressing to consult only God, highlighting access through Jesus' blood and the Holy Spirit. Throughout, the hosts encourage listeners to download study guides and engage with Mission 66's resources.

As heard by us

A steady, plainspoken guide to Saul's encounter and the questions it raises.

Mission 66 gives a steady, text first reading of 1 Samuel 28. Esther Sisulu and John Matthews move through Saul's meeting with the medium without rushing the harder question at the center of it: whether Samuel truly appeared or whether the scene should be read as spiritual…

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Why you'd press play

If 1 Samuel 28 has ever unsettled you, this gives you a careful Christian reading today.

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