Having a meal in fear

Having received the terrifying prophecy from Samuel, Saul collapsed. It is described that he “fell full length to the ground,” depicting Saul, a tall man, completely stretched out on the ground. (1) Saul’s collapse was due to the fear from the prophecy, but that was not the only reason. He had gone an entire day without any food. (2) It seems the medium had left Saul alone in the room, but when she returned, she found Saul utterly horrified. (3) After some dialogue, the woman urged Saul to eat. She prepared the meal out of pity, seeing the miserable state Saul was in, but this also was for her own sake. If Saul were to die in her house, it would lead to great consequences for her. She could be prosecuted for practicing medium and face the death penalty. (4) She prepared quite a lavish meal. Saul and his servants ate it, regained their physical strength, and then returned to the battlefield.

Lessons for us

Let’s learn from Saul’s behavior. Saul was deeply shocked hearing the terrible prophecy. However, he did not repent, seek God’s mercy, or offer sacrifices. Moreover, he did not have even a slightest concern for his sons who were to die with him or for the people who were to be conquered by the Philistines. It seems Saul remained a selfish individual until the end. God listens to the prayers of any sinner. Let’s remember the criminal on the cross who asked Jesus for forgiveness. Let’s cling to God’s mercy and repent fervently. God, abundant in love and grace will surely listen to those prayers. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, God, you will not despise” (Ps. 51:17).