This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 28:7-25, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once there was a king named Saul. He wanted to know what would happen in the future, but God would not talk to him anymore because he had not been obedient. So, Saul decided to visit a woman who could talk to the dead, which was against God’s laws.
Saul and two men disguised themselves and went to the woman at night. He asked her to bring up a man named Samuel from the dead. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out because she was scared. She realized that Saul was the king who had banned people like her from practicing their craft, and she thought that he might harm her.
But Saul swore by the Lord that he would not punish her, so the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” Saul said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”
When the woman brought up Samuel’s spirit, he asked Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul explained that he was in distress because the Philistines were warring against him, and God was not answering him. He asked Samuel what he should do.
Samuel told Saul that God had turned away from him because he had not obeyed God’s commands. Samuel told Saul that his kingdom would be taken away from him and given to someone else. Samuel also said that the Philistines would win the upcoming battle, and tomorrow, Saul and his sons would die.
Saul was very afraid and fell to the ground. The woman felt bad for Saul and offered him food to give him strength. At first, Saul refused, but then he and his servants ate the food that the woman made for them before leaving that night.
Biblical Lessons
- It’s important to seek God’s guidance and direction in our lives, rather than relying on our own understanding or turning to other sources for answers.
- God’s ways are not always easy to understand, but we can trust that He has our best interests at heart.
- We should be cautious about making promises or oaths, and be sure to keep them when we do make them.
- We should be kind and compassionate to others, even those who may have been our enemies in the past.
- The consequences of our actions can affect not only ourselves, but also those around us, so we should always strive to make choices that align with God’s will.
Related Stories
The Lord’s Covenant with David
Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
Must-Read Christian Books
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Pilgrim's Progress
A classic allegory of the Christian journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, saturated with Scripture.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
All of Grace
A simple, powerful explanation of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon