1 Samuel 31 · a question people ask
At Endor Saul heard, "tomorrow you and your sons will be with me" (28:19). Is chapter 31 that word coming to pass?
Here is what each verse says. At Endor, Saul heard: "Moreover the LORD will deliver Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will deliver the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines" (28:19). In chapter 31, "the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa" (31:1), the Philistines killed three of Saul's sons (31:2), and "So Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men that same day together" (31:6). Chapter 31 doesn't point back to 28:19 or say that it fulfils it, and the book doesn't say how many days passed between the night at Endor (28:8, 28:25) and the battle; chapters 29 and 30 are told between them. Who spoke to Saul at Endor is read in more than one way, and chapter 28's honest question sets out the main views without choosing; this one doesn't choose either. 1 Chronicles, telling the same battle, gives a reason for Saul's death: "So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the LORD’s word, which he didn’t keep, and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire" (1 Chronicles 10:13).
The verses
“Saul disguised himself and put on other clothing, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night. Then he said, “Please consult for me by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whomever I shall name to you.””
“Moreover the LORD will deliver Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will deliver the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.””
“She brought it before Saul and before his servants, and they ate. Then they rose up and went away that night.”
“Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.”