The Witch's Seance
Stories
Seldom-Told Bible Tales
Fifteen Eye-Opening Stories from the Bible
Object:
King Saul and three of his most trusted army officers finally reached the little mountain village of Endor. They had been walking through the bright moonlit night for over two hours without stopping to rest. They paused in the town square while the one general who had made the preliminary arrangements for this venture went alone to a certain house to determine if everything was in proper order.
Most of the inhabitants of Endor appeared to be asleep, since only a few houses showed a dim light from the windows. As the three awaited their comrade's return, Saul walked a few paces from the others and leaned against a small pine that swayed easily in the early night breeze. In the distant north stood Mount Tabor, and to the southeast his mind's eye retraced their desolate path that had led them from the army headquarters located in the shadow of Mount Gilboa, nearly nine miles away.
He was uneasy waiting here, wondering if they should return to their military camp immediately and abandon this bizarre venture. Doubts always bombarded him. He could never fully decide which was the best course of action. When he would make one choice, he would immediately think he should have chosen another.
Saul had a long history of mental instability, but when he was anointed the king of Israel his doubts and fears magnified and seemed literally to fill his towering 6'7" frame. He consulted Samuel frequently in conducting the affairs of state, but since Samuel's death he had floundered hopelessly. His prayers to God only echoed in his tormented mind. His obstinate pride would not permit him to consult with his own selected advisors. He trusted no human guide.
As the result of another's decision, Saul now stood uneasily under the night sky. A week ago, when he was lamenting his inability to consult with Samuel, he remembered the surprising words of his leading general, "You can do that, O king, through the services of a witch." He had never imagined considering such a shabby maneuver as requesting the help of a medium, but the casual remark had set his wavering mind in motion to grasp at any available assistance, even that of a sorcerer. Ironically, he had recently banned their operations in his kingdom, on the advice of the temple high priest who had explained it was an affront to their faith in the worship of Yahweh.
The other two officers waiting with him now in the town square of Endor patted his shoulder, remarking, "Cheer up, king, Samuel will soon be giving you his directions." Saul, forcing a smile, hoped Samuel could give him advice on handling the present war. The prospect of a Philistine victory over Israel was nearly driving him crazy. Saul realized the threat could have been averted had he fought and defeated them instead of pursuing his young rival, David, who had wanted to be his friend. Guilt and doubt were vying within for mastery of the pitiful king, when the lone general returned with the report all was ready.
Saul, who had disguised himself for the visit to the witch, followed the other three passively, trying to persuade himself what he was doing was not his responsibility but rather theirs. They approached a large stone house that stood alone on a dead-end street. Two rough-barked trees with gnarled branches stood on either side of the walkway that led to the windowless front entrance. The door appeared to open on its own as they approached and, behind the general who had assumed present leadership, the silent group entered single file.
With a sweeping gesture of her left hand, a young woman with piercing, almond-shaped eyes ushered them into an inner room. She pointed to each with her right index finger, numbering them as they passed by. "The lady of the house will be with you soon," she said in a low, gurgly voice. She motioned for them to be seated. Her long, black dress trailed the floor, obscuring her feet. She appeared to float out of the room.
The king and his three officers silently exchanged apprehensive glances as their eyes slowly circled the room. A huge, smoke-blackened kettle hung over the fire, bubbling and giving off occasional puffs of spicy steam. The walls were covered with deep purple drapes that sealed off all doors and windows. Presently the curtain, concealing the door through which they had entered, parted and the servant girl reappeared with a large tin cup. She calmly stirred the boiling pot with her bare hand and then dipped out a cup full of the mysterious contents. "Would you care for a drink?" she asked. Without looking at them, she let some of the broth-like liquid run off the outside of her cup back into the boiling pot.
The four mutely declined, with the general voicing a shallow, "No, thank you." The girl again floated from the room and the thick drapes obscured her.
The king was much more nervous than the other men sitting with him, because this whole scene was bothering him and, in addition, he was extremely worried about what was transpiring back at army headquarters. He imagined the Philistines had launched a night attack and his camp was being overrun. He was about to voice his dire concerns to his top general and suggest they leave when his attention was diverted by the soft, chanting voice of a woman.
The curtain divided and a young lady stepped softly and gracefully into the room. She was of small stature, wearing a flowing purple robe, the same color as the drapes, with a thin, white cord tightened around her slender waist. "This is the Witch of Endor," the general whispered to Saul, who nodded slightly, his glaring eyes betraying his inward panic. She approached the four with an expressionless face and deliberately peered at each of them. Her red-painted forehead looked eerie, clashing with large, orange circles on each cheek, which emphasized her sharp-featured face and high cheekbones.
"Whom do you wish me to contact?" she blandly inquired, turning her back and walking away, with her searching eyes scanning the gaudy ceiling with its splash of rainbow colors.
Holding his wooden chair with both hands, Saul, speaking loudly but stammering, replied, "I want you to contact Samuel for me."
"You have assured me I will not incur the king's wrath if I do this," she said. "Is that true?"
After an awkward silence, Saul replied, "Yes, we assure you, the king will not punish you."
She quickly turned to face them again with her long, black hair whirling and the curled ringlets bouncing at waist length. "You know King Saul has forbidden us to practice the seance any longer in Israel." Expecting no reply, she added sharply, "If I am punished, all of you will be cursed!" Her fingers clinched in a half-opened position like a cat ready to pounce on a careless bird, her dark eyes steeled and narrowing, she uttered a deep-throated laugh.
The top general immediately confirmed, "You have nothing to fear from us."
"Why did you come to me?" she probed, staring at the general. "There are many witches in Israel."
"Yes, there are," he breathed deeply and added, "but you are the very best we know."
"Ah, you are smart men," she replied with a more normal touch of femininity, as the swinging golden amulet around her neck teased their shifting eyes. "Who is this Samuel you want me to contact?"
Saul spoke up, "You must have known Samuel, the great judge of Israel."
"You don't mean that Samuel?" she exclaimed excitedly, the sparkling rings on her fingers glowing against the fire and causing a streak of light as she flung open her arms. "I've never brought up anyone that important," she replied fearfully. "Perhaps I should not even attempt it."
"Please try," pleaded Saul. "It's most important I talk with him. I ask you, please try to get him up."
"If I fail, I must be paid the same assured amount. Is that agreed?"
The king promptly replied, "It is agreed."
She invited her clients into the next room, where a large satin sheet covered a seven-foot-long box, approximately three feet wide. A six-inch hole was cut in the floor nearby that was covered with a piece of hairless goatskin. Deep within the hole a soft, yellow light glowed. "If you can arouse him from the netherworld," she said, "I will see him appearing through this hole. He will come to rest in this lidless box, and I will then remove the satin sheet and you can converse with him." Pointing her sharpened fingernail like a dagger in Saul's heated face, she sternly warned, "None of you are to make a move or any noise during the incantations or you will break the charm and frighten him back to the abode of the dead."
They lined up as four stone statues against the wall with no sound or motion except an occasional deep breath and slight move of an eyebrow. The Witch of Endor then began her loud cries, incantations, and signs for Samuel.
After ten minutes, she stopped and whispered, "I have contacted him but he refuses to move. He is a very strong-willed person." She sat quietly, seemingly puzzled, and added, "Usually one is completely subject to my power." Saul inwardly smiled at the continuing cantankerous nature of his old mentor. The young girl brought the witch a cup of steaming brew which she drank immediately, causing her breath to steam as she began a second time.
"I almost had him responding," she spoke again, following her second unsuccessful try. "I can get many other Samuels to come up, but Samuel the judge is resisting." After another cup of witch's brew and louder incantations and erratic signs, a shadow appeared in the yellow light. "I'm not sure if I got Samuel the judge or the other one," she whispered. Her face strained and then showed a slight smile. "He is being persuaded now," she joyfully spoke. "It is he. Here comes the judge."
The four men were white with suspense as the satin sheet ruffled and they were sure someone was present beneath. Slowly, the medium drew back the sheet and Samuel stood up, wearing his old, familiar mantle, rubbing his blinking eyes into focus. "Why was I disturbed?" he yelled agitatedly. "Who wants to see me?" Looking about, he spied the king. "Saul," he shouted more angrily, "I might have known it would have been you disturbing my rest!"
The witch screamed in alarm, "You are King Saul! You deceived me." For the first time she saw through his disguise, although it had not fooled Samuel. "I trusted you and you betrayed me," she continued in a panicked state, which could easily have frightened the spirit back to the netherworld. "I was only trying to help you -- now you will punish me!" With that she raced from the room, with the three officers following to calm her and assure her Saul would do her no harm.
Samuel condemned Saul for fighting a civil war against David, and said he was doomed to failure at the hands of the Philistines. "By tomorrow," he said bluntly, "you and your sons will be with me." Speechlessly, Saul listened to his sentence, as Samuel disappeared with no further communication. The witch and officers returned to the seance room just in time to hear Samuel's final words. Saul humbly apologized to the cooperative witch and convinced her that no harm would come to her. She had dried her tears and managed a small smile. Then she insisted they have a good meal before their long journey back to camp.
As her servant prepared a delicious supper of roast beef and freshly baked bread, the witch removed her grease and paint, then showered and came to join them. She was the exact opposite of the image she had earlier portrayed, for no one could have been more kind and caring as she wept frequently at the ill fate that awaited the king. She even briefly held Saul in her strong arms before he left, and tenderly rubbed his tight neck and back. In a short space of time she had become very fond of him and, although she tried, she could not convince him to stay with her. There were copious tears and sobs from both sides as the four finally disappeared into the night. "How can I fall in love," she vaguely spoke to her servant, "with a man who will die tomorrow?"
Samuel's prediction did come true and Saul's tragic life ended the next day, but the Witch of Endor had given him early warning and helped him prepare for it.
His options gone, tormented Saul did run
To seek advice and aid from one long dead.
He'd have been better off, all said and done,
To listen to the living God instead.
Read 1 Samuel 28
Most of the inhabitants of Endor appeared to be asleep, since only a few houses showed a dim light from the windows. As the three awaited their comrade's return, Saul walked a few paces from the others and leaned against a small pine that swayed easily in the early night breeze. In the distant north stood Mount Tabor, and to the southeast his mind's eye retraced their desolate path that had led them from the army headquarters located in the shadow of Mount Gilboa, nearly nine miles away.
He was uneasy waiting here, wondering if they should return to their military camp immediately and abandon this bizarre venture. Doubts always bombarded him. He could never fully decide which was the best course of action. When he would make one choice, he would immediately think he should have chosen another.
Saul had a long history of mental instability, but when he was anointed the king of Israel his doubts and fears magnified and seemed literally to fill his towering 6'7" frame. He consulted Samuel frequently in conducting the affairs of state, but since Samuel's death he had floundered hopelessly. His prayers to God only echoed in his tormented mind. His obstinate pride would not permit him to consult with his own selected advisors. He trusted no human guide.
As the result of another's decision, Saul now stood uneasily under the night sky. A week ago, when he was lamenting his inability to consult with Samuel, he remembered the surprising words of his leading general, "You can do that, O king, through the services of a witch." He had never imagined considering such a shabby maneuver as requesting the help of a medium, but the casual remark had set his wavering mind in motion to grasp at any available assistance, even that of a sorcerer. Ironically, he had recently banned their operations in his kingdom, on the advice of the temple high priest who had explained it was an affront to their faith in the worship of Yahweh.
The other two officers waiting with him now in the town square of Endor patted his shoulder, remarking, "Cheer up, king, Samuel will soon be giving you his directions." Saul, forcing a smile, hoped Samuel could give him advice on handling the present war. The prospect of a Philistine victory over Israel was nearly driving him crazy. Saul realized the threat could have been averted had he fought and defeated them instead of pursuing his young rival, David, who had wanted to be his friend. Guilt and doubt were vying within for mastery of the pitiful king, when the lone general returned with the report all was ready.
Saul, who had disguised himself for the visit to the witch, followed the other three passively, trying to persuade himself what he was doing was not his responsibility but rather theirs. They approached a large stone house that stood alone on a dead-end street. Two rough-barked trees with gnarled branches stood on either side of the walkway that led to the windowless front entrance. The door appeared to open on its own as they approached and, behind the general who had assumed present leadership, the silent group entered single file.
With a sweeping gesture of her left hand, a young woman with piercing, almond-shaped eyes ushered them into an inner room. She pointed to each with her right index finger, numbering them as they passed by. "The lady of the house will be with you soon," she said in a low, gurgly voice. She motioned for them to be seated. Her long, black dress trailed the floor, obscuring her feet. She appeared to float out of the room.
The king and his three officers silently exchanged apprehensive glances as their eyes slowly circled the room. A huge, smoke-blackened kettle hung over the fire, bubbling and giving off occasional puffs of spicy steam. The walls were covered with deep purple drapes that sealed off all doors and windows. Presently the curtain, concealing the door through which they had entered, parted and the servant girl reappeared with a large tin cup. She calmly stirred the boiling pot with her bare hand and then dipped out a cup full of the mysterious contents. "Would you care for a drink?" she asked. Without looking at them, she let some of the broth-like liquid run off the outside of her cup back into the boiling pot.
The four mutely declined, with the general voicing a shallow, "No, thank you." The girl again floated from the room and the thick drapes obscured her.
The king was much more nervous than the other men sitting with him, because this whole scene was bothering him and, in addition, he was extremely worried about what was transpiring back at army headquarters. He imagined the Philistines had launched a night attack and his camp was being overrun. He was about to voice his dire concerns to his top general and suggest they leave when his attention was diverted by the soft, chanting voice of a woman.
The curtain divided and a young lady stepped softly and gracefully into the room. She was of small stature, wearing a flowing purple robe, the same color as the drapes, with a thin, white cord tightened around her slender waist. "This is the Witch of Endor," the general whispered to Saul, who nodded slightly, his glaring eyes betraying his inward panic. She approached the four with an expressionless face and deliberately peered at each of them. Her red-painted forehead looked eerie, clashing with large, orange circles on each cheek, which emphasized her sharp-featured face and high cheekbones.
"Whom do you wish me to contact?" she blandly inquired, turning her back and walking away, with her searching eyes scanning the gaudy ceiling with its splash of rainbow colors.
Holding his wooden chair with both hands, Saul, speaking loudly but stammering, replied, "I want you to contact Samuel for me."
"You have assured me I will not incur the king's wrath if I do this," she said. "Is that true?"
After an awkward silence, Saul replied, "Yes, we assure you, the king will not punish you."
She quickly turned to face them again with her long, black hair whirling and the curled ringlets bouncing at waist length. "You know King Saul has forbidden us to practice the seance any longer in Israel." Expecting no reply, she added sharply, "If I am punished, all of you will be cursed!" Her fingers clinched in a half-opened position like a cat ready to pounce on a careless bird, her dark eyes steeled and narrowing, she uttered a deep-throated laugh.
The top general immediately confirmed, "You have nothing to fear from us."
"Why did you come to me?" she probed, staring at the general. "There are many witches in Israel."
"Yes, there are," he breathed deeply and added, "but you are the very best we know."
"Ah, you are smart men," she replied with a more normal touch of femininity, as the swinging golden amulet around her neck teased their shifting eyes. "Who is this Samuel you want me to contact?"
Saul spoke up, "You must have known Samuel, the great judge of Israel."
"You don't mean that Samuel?" she exclaimed excitedly, the sparkling rings on her fingers glowing against the fire and causing a streak of light as she flung open her arms. "I've never brought up anyone that important," she replied fearfully. "Perhaps I should not even attempt it."
"Please try," pleaded Saul. "It's most important I talk with him. I ask you, please try to get him up."
"If I fail, I must be paid the same assured amount. Is that agreed?"
The king promptly replied, "It is agreed."
She invited her clients into the next room, where a large satin sheet covered a seven-foot-long box, approximately three feet wide. A six-inch hole was cut in the floor nearby that was covered with a piece of hairless goatskin. Deep within the hole a soft, yellow light glowed. "If you can arouse him from the netherworld," she said, "I will see him appearing through this hole. He will come to rest in this lidless box, and I will then remove the satin sheet and you can converse with him." Pointing her sharpened fingernail like a dagger in Saul's heated face, she sternly warned, "None of you are to make a move or any noise during the incantations or you will break the charm and frighten him back to the abode of the dead."
They lined up as four stone statues against the wall with no sound or motion except an occasional deep breath and slight move of an eyebrow. The Witch of Endor then began her loud cries, incantations, and signs for Samuel.
After ten minutes, she stopped and whispered, "I have contacted him but he refuses to move. He is a very strong-willed person." She sat quietly, seemingly puzzled, and added, "Usually one is completely subject to my power." Saul inwardly smiled at the continuing cantankerous nature of his old mentor. The young girl brought the witch a cup of steaming brew which she drank immediately, causing her breath to steam as she began a second time.
"I almost had him responding," she spoke again, following her second unsuccessful try. "I can get many other Samuels to come up, but Samuel the judge is resisting." After another cup of witch's brew and louder incantations and erratic signs, a shadow appeared in the yellow light. "I'm not sure if I got Samuel the judge or the other one," she whispered. Her face strained and then showed a slight smile. "He is being persuaded now," she joyfully spoke. "It is he. Here comes the judge."
The four men were white with suspense as the satin sheet ruffled and they were sure someone was present beneath. Slowly, the medium drew back the sheet and Samuel stood up, wearing his old, familiar mantle, rubbing his blinking eyes into focus. "Why was I disturbed?" he yelled agitatedly. "Who wants to see me?" Looking about, he spied the king. "Saul," he shouted more angrily, "I might have known it would have been you disturbing my rest!"
The witch screamed in alarm, "You are King Saul! You deceived me." For the first time she saw through his disguise, although it had not fooled Samuel. "I trusted you and you betrayed me," she continued in a panicked state, which could easily have frightened the spirit back to the netherworld. "I was only trying to help you -- now you will punish me!" With that she raced from the room, with the three officers following to calm her and assure her Saul would do her no harm.
Samuel condemned Saul for fighting a civil war against David, and said he was doomed to failure at the hands of the Philistines. "By tomorrow," he said bluntly, "you and your sons will be with me." Speechlessly, Saul listened to his sentence, as Samuel disappeared with no further communication. The witch and officers returned to the seance room just in time to hear Samuel's final words. Saul humbly apologized to the cooperative witch and convinced her that no harm would come to her. She had dried her tears and managed a small smile. Then she insisted they have a good meal before their long journey back to camp.
As her servant prepared a delicious supper of roast beef and freshly baked bread, the witch removed her grease and paint, then showered and came to join them. She was the exact opposite of the image she had earlier portrayed, for no one could have been more kind and caring as she wept frequently at the ill fate that awaited the king. She even briefly held Saul in her strong arms before he left, and tenderly rubbed his tight neck and back. In a short space of time she had become very fond of him and, although she tried, she could not convince him to stay with her. There were copious tears and sobs from both sides as the four finally disappeared into the night. "How can I fall in love," she vaguely spoke to her servant, "with a man who will die tomorrow?"
Samuel's prediction did come true and Saul's tragic life ended the next day, but the Witch of Endor had given him early warning and helped him prepare for it.
His options gone, tormented Saul did run
To seek advice and aid from one long dead.
He'd have been better off, all said and done,
To listen to the living God instead.
Read 1 Samuel 28
