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
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
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
Institutes of the Christian Religion
A classic work of Reformed theology in an accessible form, laying out Christian doctrine with deep biblical roots.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
A Call to Spiritual Reformation
Walks through Paul's prayers to teach believers how to pray biblically and God-centeredly.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
All of Grace
A simple, powerful explanation of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
The Whole Christ
Deals with legalism, antinomianism, and the grace of God in union with Christ.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon