1 Samuel Chapter 28 Summary - Key Points & Themes

Read 1 Samuel Chapter 28 Summary

The Philistines gather to fight Israel; Achish makes David his bodyguard. Saul, terrified at the Philistine army, inquires of the LORD who does not answer by dreams, Urim, or prophets. In desperation, Saul disguises himself and seeks the medium at En-dor—though he himself had banished mediums—asking her to bring up Samuel. The woman sees gods ascending and an old man in a robe; Samuel asks why Saul has disturbed him. Samuel declares the LORD has become Saul's enemy, has torn the kingdom and given it to David, and tomorrow Saul and his sons will be with Samuel and Israel delivered to the Philistines. Saul collapses in terror; the woman feeds him and he departs that night.

Original

Characters in This Chapter

Samuel

Last judge and prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings

Saul

First king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God

David

Shepherd boy anointed as future king, man after God's own heart

Jonathan

Saul's son who became David's closest friend despite the rivalry

Hannah

Samuel's mother who prayed for a son and dedicated him to God

Places in This Chapter

Shiloh

Location of the tabernacle where Hannah prayed and Samuel ministered

Gilgal

Site where Saul was confirmed king and later disobeyed God's command

Gibeah

Saul's hometown and capital during his reign

Bethlehem

David's hometown where Samuel anointed him king

Ramah

Ramah (also Ramathaim-zophim) was the hometown of Samuel the prophet. He lived here, judged Israel from here, and was buried here. It was a center for the prophets and the school of prophets. Saul first met Samuel here when searching for his father's donkeys.

Shunem

Shunem was a village in the Jezreel Valley of northern Israel, located near Mount Gilboa. It is most famous for the wealthy Shunammite woman who showed hospitality to the prophet Elisha, building a room for him on her roof. When her son died, Elisha raised him back to life—one of the most dramatic miracles in the Old Testament. Earlier, Abishag the Shunammite had served aging King David. The village demonstrates God's reward for those who honor His servants.

Position in Book

Samuel's MinistryChapters 1-7

Saul's ReignChapters 8-15

David's RiseChapters 16-31

David anointed, defeats Goliath, friendship with Jonathan, flees from Saul, Saul's death in battle.