Lessoon 17

Those who have a familiar spirit, prophecy through that spirit. The seer is the main contributor in the conversation as they relay messages to and from the spirit or let themselves be possessed by a spirit and the spirit communicates directly to the client using the median’s body. Like someone doing impersonations, the median’s face and body may contort, their voice may change, all in an effort to mimic someone else but the median does not bring the dead back to life to talk to the client. The conversation Saul has with Samual is being done through the median. It was not a one on one, stand alone conversation between Samuel’s spirit and Saul.

1 Samuel 28:15-19 Evangelical Heritage Version
15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in dire straits because the Philistines are waging war against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me through prophets or through dreams. That is why I have called you, so that you can let me know what I should do.” 16 Samuel said, “Why do you ask me, since the Lord has departed from you and has become your adversary? 17 The Lord has done exactly what he told you through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David. 18 Because you did not obey the Lord’s voice and did not execute his fierce wrath on Amalek, the Lord has done this to you today. 19 What’s more, the Lord will deliver Israel into the hands of the Philistines, along with you. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.” 20 Saul immediately fell full-length on the ground. Not only was he terrified because of Samuel’s words, but he also had no strength left because he had eaten no food all that day and all that night.

Saul had no personal relationship with God, so when God wouldn’t communicate with him through the priests and prophets after the death of Samuel he was left without any spiritual direction. Sinking deep into ungodliness he sought out direction from an evil spirit that, despite speaking the truth, brought him no comfort. God says he is looking for those who will believe and follow him with a willing heart. What is the definition of an opposite? Can you be both at the same time? Does Samual have an immortal soul or is he mortal as God describes mankind?

Genesis 6:3 International Standard Version
3 So the Lord said, “My Spirit won’t remain with human beings forever, because they’re truly mortal. Their lifespan will be 120 years.”