Will the people not consult their God?
I Samuel 28:6-8 and 13-14
Introduction
This is a text that requires a clear understanding to avoid confusion among the brothers. The Word of God is categorical: the Lord does not use the dead to speak to the living, and any practice of consulting the dead is an abomination before God. The Bible teaches us that, when seeking this kind of practice, what manifests itself is not the deceased person, but an unclean spirit, used by the adversary to deceive and divert man from the presence of God.
Development
The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, clearly stated:
“Shall not the people consult their God? Will they consult the dead for the living?” (Isaiah 8:19b).
Here, we see a clear exhortation for the people to seek the Lord directly and not be deceived by the wiles of the enemy. Consulting the dead is an act of rebellion, as it shows a lack of trust in the living God and his sovereignty.
Jesus also taught us about the eternal destiny of men. In Luke 16, he told the story of two men who died: a God-fearing man, who was taken to Abraham’s bosom, and a wicked man, who went to the place of torment. The wicked man, in his suffering, asked that the one in heaven be sent to his house to warn his family. But the answer was clear: this was not possible. There is no communication between the dead and the living; everyone is in their own eternal destiny.
Therefore, we reaffirm: God does not use the dead to speak to the living!
The case of Saul and the sorceress of En-Dor
In the case of Saul, we see a tragic example of disobedience and lack of faith. God insisted and spoke to Saul repeatedly, but he hardened his heart. When the Lord stopped responding, Saul, instead of repenting, sought out a sorceress, which sealed divine judgment on his life. This act revealed how far he was from communion with God, culminating in his death and eternal separation from his Creator.
Text details:
- Verse 11 – “To whom shall I bring you up?”
If he is to go up, that means he was below.
If it were truly Samuel, he would come down, just as angels come down from heaven to minister to man (Hebrews 1:14). Just as Jesus came down to save man (John 3:13). Just as the Holy Spirit was poured out from on high (Acts 2:2-4).God’s blessings come from above, not from the earth. - Verse 13 – “I see gods rising from the earth.”
The sorceress claims to see “gods” rising from the earth. What she saw was not Samuel, but unclean spirits in disguise. - Verse 14 – “Saul understood that it was Samuel.”
The Bible doesn’t say that it was Samuel, but that Saul understood that it was Samuel. This reveals the deception into which Saul fell. The adversary, who is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44), used this trick to confirm his judgment on Saul.
In verse 19, the lying spirit says: “Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.” This doesn’t mean that Saul would be with Samuel in heaven, but that he and his sons would die, cut off from God, in the same fate of damnation.
The Lord’s warnings to his servants
The Word of God warns us about the enemy’s strategies of deception:
- “And no wonder, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
The adversary can mask his intentions and disguise himself to deceive even the most experienced in the faith. - “For false christs and false prophets will arise, and will perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Mark 13:22).
The enemy uses signs and wonders to confuse and lead God’s people astray. That’s why we must be vigilant and grounded in the Word.
Conclusion
The case of Saul teaches us that disobedience and lack of repentance lead to separation from God. Seeking answers in the wrong place only leads us further away from the truth. The Lord calls us to trust in Him, for He is the living God, who hears and answers our prayers.
Let’s reject any practice that dishonors God, such as consulting the dead or seeking answers outside the Word. Instead, let’s turn our hearts to the Lord, who is faithful to direct, correct and save us.
“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6).
More Preaching Outlines
- Porfia – Works of the Flesh
- But use a little wine – I Timothy 5:23
- The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want…
