1 Samuel 28:3–10

Saul’s Sin—the Occult

³Meanwhile, Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his hometown Ramah. (Saul had rid the land of mediums and psychics.) 

⁴The Philistines assembled and camped in Shunem. Saul also assembled the whole Israelite army, and they camped at Gilboa. ⁵When Saul looked at the Philistine army, he was very afraid—terrified. ⁶He prayed to the Lord, but the Lord didn’t answer him through dreams, the Urim,^aor prophets. ⁷Saul told his officers, “Find me a woman who conjures up the dead. Then I’ll go to her and ask for her services.” 

His officers told him, “There is a woman at Endor who conjures up the dead.” 

⁸After disguising himself by putting on other clothes, Saul left with two men and came to the woman that night. He said to her, “Please consult with a dead person for me. Conjure up the person I request.” 

⁹The woman told him, “You know that Saul rid the land of mediums and psychics. Why are you trying to trap me and have me killed?” 

¹⁰But Saul took an oath in the Lord’s name, “I solemnly swear, as the Lord lives, you will not be harmed if you do this.”