Verse in Context:

1 Samuel 28:22 states: “Now therefore, I pray you, hearken also unto the voice of your handmaid, and let me give you a morsel of bread; and eat, that you may have strength, when you go on your way.” This verse occurs in the context of Saul seeking guidance from the witch of Endor, demonstrating a critical moment of desperation and leading to significant theological implications regarding seeking counsel from forbidden sources.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry:

Henry emphasizes that this moment illustrates Saul's spiritual decline and his willingness to forsake God's commands in his time of need. He warns against seeking guidance from dark places, reflecting on the dangers of turning away from divine counsel.

Albert Barnes:

Barnes elaborates on the societal norms of the time, contrasting Saul's actions with the expectations of the Israelite community. He highlights that in seeking the medium, Saul demonstrated a loss of faith and a disconnection from God, portraying the dire consequences of abandoning divine guidance.

Adam Clarke:

Clarke notes the significance of hunger in this passage, symbolizing the deeper spiritual hunger that individuals experience when they stray from divine truth. He points out how this request for bread not only signifies physical sustenance but also represents a plea for spiritual nourishment that can only be found in God.

Thematic Connections

This verse illustrates themes of desperation, the consequences of abandoning God, and the search for truth outside of divine sources. It poses a critical question about where we turn when in distress and the implications of our choices.

Cross-References

• 1 Chronicles 10:13-14: Discusses God's rejection of Saul for consulting a medium.
• Deuteronomy 18:10-12: Warns against practicing divination and consulting the dead.
• Isaiah 8:19: Questions why the living would seek counsel from the dead.
• Galatians 5:20: Lists sorcery as a work of the flesh, connecting to the moral implications of seeking occult guidance.
• Proverbs 1:28-29: Highlights the consequences of ignoring wisdom.
• Romans 1:21: Describes the fate of those who suppress truth in unrighteousness.
• Matthew 7:7: Encourages seeking from God rather than from dubious sources.
• James 1:5: Promises that if we lack wisdom and ask God, He will give generously.
• 1 Timothy 4:1: Warns against the influence of deceiving spirits and false teachings.
• Ephesians 6:12: Reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, reiterating the spiritual implications of seeking help outside God.

Conclusion

The verse encapsulates a pivotal moment of crisis for Saul and offers profound lessons about the importance of aligning oneself with divine counsel over seeking worldly wisdom from questionable sources. Through thematic connections and cross-references, believers can better understand the spiritual implications embedded in 1 Samuel 28:22.