28:2 you will know David is intentionally ambiguous. Achish correctly perceives that David is referring to his skill in obliterating his enemies. However, he incorrectly perceives the identity of David’s true enemies. As in 23:26; 24:6; 26:9; and 27:8–12, David will not strike God’s anointed or kill His people. David probably would have followed Achish into battle and then turned on the Philistines as the fight ensued.

I will make you my bodyguard The Hebrew phrase used here, which is literally rendered as “keeper of my head,” may allude to the Goliath incident (compare 17:51–54, where David “kept” Goliath’s severed head).

28:3 Samuel had died The mentioning of the dead prophet sets up the narrative that follows and prepares the reader for Samuel’s reappearance. See 25:1.

mediums and the soothsayers Those who allegedly communicate with the spirits of the dead. Saul may have acted at Samuel’s urging, which would make the encounter in vv. 12–19 more ironic.

28:4 Shunem This site was in the Jezreel Valley in the north of Israel, and was part of the tribal allotment of Issachar (Josh 19:17–18). See 2 Kgs 4:8 and note.

Gilboa Mount Gilboa was on the south side of the Jezreel Valley, about 10 miles away from Shunem.

28:5 he was afraid See 1 Sam 10:22 and note.

28:6 Yahweh did not answer him, not by dreams or by the Urim or Saul had earlier attempted to inquire of Yahweh; compare 14:37.

Urim See note on 14:18.

28:7 a woman who is a medium in Endor The servants apparently knew exactly where to find the nearest medium.

28:8 put on other clothes Refers to garments other than his regnal robes (see 24:4 and note).

28:10 by Yahweh Ironically, the king invokes God’s covenant name to assure the medium that she will not be punished for breaking God’s covenant.

28:11 Bring up Samuel Samuel was apparently famous enough that his title, lineage, or hometown did not need to be mentioned.

28:12 she cried out The medium seems surprised to see Samuel. This is perhaps an indication that God brought about his appearance, not the medium.

28:13 I see a god The Hebrew word used here is elohim, which is often translated as “God” or “gods.” Samuel looks like a divine being.

28:14 with his face to the ground Saul assumes a position that communicates his complete submission.

28:16 has turned away from you This may refer to the Spirit of Yahweh being withdrawn (see 16:14 and note). It could also refer to Saul’s perpetual failures and hardships.

28:17 has given it to your neighbor, to David Compare 13:14; 15:28 and note.

28:18 did not carry out the fierce anger of his wrath Saul’s inability to carry out God’s judgment on the Amalekites had lasting repercussions. See 15:1–3.

28:19 you and your sons Recalls the fate of Eli and his sons (3:13–14; 4:11, 18).

with me This phrase probably refers to their death or their presence in Sheol, the place of the dead (see Gen 37:35 and note).

28:20 he was very afraid See 1 Sam 10:22 and note.

he had not eaten food Saul has apparently fasted for his encounter with Samuel as a display of piety. Ironically, he abstains from food to demonstrate his fervent religious reflection in preparation for heinously violating the Law, continuing the theme of selective obedience in his life.