King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 28:25 Mean?
“And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.”
1 Samuel 28:25 · KJV
Context
23
But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
24
And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:
25
And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe departure into the night completes this dark chapter. The phrase 'they rose up, and went away that night' emphasizes the nocturnal setting that has characterized this entire episode. Saul leaves the medium's house to return to his army and face the battle he knows will kill him. No words of hope or encouragement accompany his departure. The meal provided physical strength but could not address his spiritual condition. Saul goes to meet his prophesied death with full knowledge of what awaits.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The night journey back through or around enemy lines would have been treacherous. Saul's return to Gilboa to lead his army into certain defeat demonstrates either fatalistic acceptance or the last vestiges of royal duty.
Reflection Questions
- How do we face inevitable outcomes we cannot change?
- What does Saul's return to battle suggest about duty in hopeless circumstances?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַתַּגֵּ֧שׁ1 of 10
“And she brought”
H5066to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
וְלִפְנֵ֥י2 of 10
“and before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְלִפְנֵ֥י4 of 10
“and before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיָּקֻ֥מוּ7 of 10
“Then they rose up”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
בַּלַּ֥יְלָה9 of 10
“that night”
H3915properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הַהֽוּא׃10 of 10
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 28:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.