On what occasion did Achish design to secure the services of David, and what evasive, answer did he receive which he construed favorably?
What promise did he make upon that understanding to David?
What mention is made here of Samuel and Saul, and why is it introduced in this place? Ans. To prepare the way for the subsequent narrative of Saul's consulting the witch of Endor.
Was there any law which required the putting away of wizards, witches, &c. out of the land. Ex. 22. 18.
Where did Saul gather his army together, and what circumstances tended greatly to dispirit him? v.4—6.
Was not a guilty conscience at the bottom of all his terrors?
What had he recourse to in this extremity?
What express command did he violate in this, and how was his conduct grossly inconsistent? v.3. Lev. 19. 31,
What information did he receive, and in what circumstances did he make the application?
What objection did the woman offer, and how did Saul obviate it?
Relate the circumstances which followed till the risen prophet began to address Saul. v.11—14, N.B. There is far more difficulty than importance in giving a satisfactory reply to all the queries that might be started in respect to this mysterious transaction. The only clue which can guide us to a correct view of it, is to compare this case with whatever of a similar nature we find elsewhere mentioned in the Scriptures. The miracles apparently wrought by the enchantments of the magicians in Egypt no doubt came the nearest to it, although the apparition of a disembodied human spirit is a far greater event than the other. But in both cases we think all idea of Satanic agency is to be excluded, and the immediate hand of God acknowledged in what is wrought; and in both we are led to believe that the arts and incantations employed by the nominal workers of the miracles merely afforded an occasion on which the Almighty saw fit to put forth his power and in a sovereign manner to co-operate and concur in the production of a supernatural effect—an effect at the same time so vastly beyond the force of the means employed, as to be a source of equal astonishment to the ostensible agents, as to any one else, and leaving them without any rational pretence to ascribe it to their own power. Our conclusion therefore is that it was the real Samuel who now appeared and spake such words of terror to Saul; although from the narrative being couched in language suited to popular conceptions rather than to absolute verity, some parts of it require to be interpreted with a due discrimination between "the letter and the spirit."," To-morrow thou shalt be with me"—merely announces the fact that on the ensuing day, Saul should be in the invisible state, as Samuel then was, without intimating that he should be with Samuel in happiness.
What conference ensued between Samuel and Saul on this occasion?
How did this terrible message affect Saul, and what served to increase the effect?
What did the woman say to him, and was he at length prevailed upon to partake of some refreshment?
Does the whole transaction shew an astonishing degree of desperation in Saul?
Does it also prove in a striking manner that the wicked in seasons of danger and distress are often ready to apply to good men whom they have before despised and rejected? Jer.37.2,3.
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