Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel 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.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
Now Samuel was dead,.... Had been so for some time; which is mentioned before, Sa1 25:1; and here repeated, partly to observe the reason of the Philistines renewing the war, and partly to account for…
Barnes' Notes
It does not appear when Saul had suppressed witchcraft; it was probably in the early part of his reign. Familiar spirits ... wizards - i. e. ventriloquists ... wise or cunning men. See Lev 19:31 note.
Adam Clarke
Samuel was dead - And there was no longer a public accredited prophet to consult.
Those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards - See the note on Lev 19:31, and Exo 22:18.
Here is, I. The design of the Philistines against Israel. They resolved to fight them, Sa1 28:1. If the Israelites had not forsaken God, there would have been no Philistines remaining to molest them;…
Saul resorts to the witch of Endor
3. Now Samuel, &c. From 1Sa 28:28 to the end of the chapter is an independent narrative. 1Sa 28:28 states by way of introduction certain facts as the key to the…
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