1 Samuel 28

1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Yisrael. And Achish said unto Dawid, “Know you assuredly, that you shalt go out with me to battle, you and your men.”

2 And Dawid said to Achish, “Surely you shalt know what your servant can do.” And Achish said to Dawid, “Therefore will I make you keeper of mine head forever.”

3 Now Shemuel was dead, and all Yisrael had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Yisrael together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

5 And when Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

6 And when Saul enquired of יהוה, יהוה answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

7 Then said Saul unto his servants, “Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En Dor.”

8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night; and he said, “Please, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring him up for me, whom I shall name unto you.”

9 And the woman said unto him, “Behold, you knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest you a snare for my life, to cause me to die?”

10 And Saul sware to her by יהוה, saying, “As יהוה liveth, there shall no punishment happen to you for this thing.”

11 Then said the woman, “Whom shall I bring up unto you?” And he said, “Bring up Shemuel for me.”

12 And when the woman saw Shemuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul.”

13 And the king said unto her, “Be not afraid; for what sawest you?” And the woman said unto Saul, “I saw divine being (elohim) ascending out of the earth.”

14 And he said unto her, “What form is he of?” And she said, “An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle.” And Saul perceived that it was Shemuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

15 And Shemuel said to Saul, “Why have you disquieted me, to bring me up?” And Saul answered, “I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God (Elohim) is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams; therefore I have called you, that you mayest make known unto me what I shall do.”

16 Then said Shemuel, “Why then dost you ask of me, seeing יהוה is departed from you, and is become your enemy?

17 And יהוה hath done to him, as he spake by me; for יהוה hath rent the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your neighbour, even to Dawid;

18 Because you obeyedst not the voice of יהוה, nor executedst His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath יהוה done this thing unto you this day.

19 Moreover יהוה will also deliver Yisrael with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow shalt you and your sons be with me; יהוה also shall deliver the army of Yisrael into the hand of the Philistines.”

20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Shemuel; and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no food all the day, nor all the night.

21 And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, “Behold, your handmaid hath obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto your words which you spakest unto me.

22 Now therefore, please hearken you also unto the voice of your handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you mayest have strength, when you goest on your way.”

23 But he refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.

24 And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleaven bread (matstsah) thereof.

25 And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.