1 Samuel 28:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Samuel asks why he has been disturbed, and Saul pours out his distress: the Philistines threaten, God is silent, and he is desperate for guidance.
What Does 1 Samuel 28:15 Mean?
Samuel speaks, asking why Saul has disquieted him. Saul answers with raw anguish: he is in deep distress, the Philistines are attacking, and God has departed from him and answers no longer by prophet or dream. He has summoned Samuel because he is desperate to know what to do. His words confess the very heart of his crisis.
Notice what Saul admits: God is silent, so he turns to a forbidden means rather than to repentance. His diagnosis is right but his remedy is wrong. When the heavens seem closed, the path is not to seek another door but to humble ourselves and return to the Lord. The believer learns that the cure for God's silence is never disobedience, but a contrite heart that waits on Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 28:15
What does 1 Samuel 28:15 mean?
Samuel asks why he has been disturbed, and Saul pours out his distress: the Philistines threaten, God is silent, and he is desperate for guidance.