Philistine Raid at Gilboa, Saul Consults Witch

The fact that the Philistines could pass clear through the valley to Shunem indicates that while Saul had been so intent on finding David, he had been most remiss in protecting his frontiers, and the Philistines had taken advantage of this laxity. Saul's mad passion to rid the land of David, had involuntarily opened the whole country to the invasions of the Philistines. The invaders had probably overrun much of the territory belonging to Issachar, Zebulun, and Asher. From the top of Mt. Gilboa, Saul could get a commanding view of the Valley of Jezreel and the opposing army nestled at the base of Moreh some 4 or 5 mi. distant. Perhaps Israelite scouts had intensified Saul's desperation by warning him concerning David's presence with the Philistine host, and he feared lest David now seek revenge.

When Saul enquired of the Lord, God did not answer him. The Lord never turns away any soul who comes to Him in humility and sincerity. The answer may not come in the manner expected or at the time expected, but God takes note of the petition and works what is best under the circumstances. The frantic appeals of Saul reached the divine ear, but in view of the situation, God chose not to impart the information the king was seeking. Saul had deliberately refused to wait for God's counsel at Gilgal (ch. 13:8—14), or to accept any messages contrary to his kingly ideas.

He had had access to the tabernacle at Nob, but had murdered the priests. Inasmuch as Saul had voluntarily chosen to follow his own counsel, God permitted him to reap the fruit of such sowing. Had he been repentant and submissive, God could have turned his mistakes into steppingstones to success. The text seems to indicate that in his desperation, Saul tried hurriedly to inquire by means of dreams, Urim, and prophets, but all three were silent. Since Abiathar had the ephod in his possession, some think that Saul ordered another made. In his mad haste Saul turned to the source of information he himself had condemned (v. 3). The man who was once filled with spiritual zeal now gave way to the heathen superstition of calling on the supposed spirits of departed souls for help.