1 Samuel 28:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The woman, fearing a trap, reminds her visitor that Saul has banned mediums on pain of death.
What Does 1 Samuel 28:9 Mean?
Not knowing she is speaking to Saul himself, the woman is wary. She recalls that the king has cut off mediums and wizards from the land, and she suspects this stranger may be setting a snare to have her executed. Her caution underscores the irony: the law-giver has come in secret to break his own law.
There is a sharp poignancy here. The very ban Saul once enforced now stands between him and what he seeks, a reminder that our past acts of obedience can rise to confront our present compromise. The scene quietly testifies that God's commands do not vanish when we wish to set them aside; they remain, witnessing against the moment we abandon them.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 28:9
What does 1 Samuel 28:9 mean?
The woman, fearing a trap, reminds her visitor that Saul has banned mediums on pain of death.