Key Verse Spotlight
1 Samuel 28:23 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" But he refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed. "
1 Samuel 28:23
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
21 The woman came to Saul and saw that he was very troubled, and said to him, “Behold, your servant has listened to your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.
22 Now therefore, please listen also to the voice of your servant, and let me set a morsel of bread before you. Eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.”
23 But he refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed.
24 The woman had a fattened calf in the house. She hurried and killed it; and she took flour and kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread of it.
25 She brought it before Saul and before his servants, and they ate. Then they rose up and went away that night.
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1 Samuel 28:1
"In those days, the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. Achish said to David, “Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the army, you and your men.”"
1 Samuel 28:2
"David said to Achish, “Therefore you will know what your servant can do.” Achish said to David, “Therefore I will make you my bodyguard forever.”"
1 Samuel 28:3
"Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. Saul had sent away those who had familiar spirits and the wizards out of the land."
1 Samuel 28:4
"The Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa."
1 Samuel 28:5
"When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly."
1 Samuel 28:6
"When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD didn’t answer him by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets."
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