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In the day of trouble Saul did not turn to God, but to sorcery. We are reminded that God invites us to come to Him—always.

BibleGateway: 1 Samuel 28:3-19

ESV Text: 1 Samuel 28:3-19


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 0:23 and ends at about 3:35

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3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. 4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. 5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. 6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

     7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. 8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. 9 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? 10 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. 11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. 12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. 13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. 14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

     15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. 16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? 17 And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: 18 Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day. 19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 529:
I Leave all Things to God’s Direction

Hymnary.org

— Organ Audio

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1. I leave all things to God’s direction, 
He loveth me in weal and woe; 
His will is good, true His affection. 
With tender love His heart doth glow. 
My Fortress and my Rock is He: 
What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me. 

2. My God hath all things in His keeping, 
He is the ever faithful Friend; 
He grants me laughter after weeping, 
And all His ways in blessings end. 
His love endures eternally: 
What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me. 

3. The will of God shall be my pleasure 
While here on earth is mine abode; 
My will is wrong beyond all measure, 
It doth not will what pleaseth God. 
The Christian’s motto e’er must be: 
What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me. 

4. God knows what must be done to save me, 
His love for me will never cease; 
Upon His hands He did engrave me 
With purest gold of loving grace. 
His will supreme must ever be! 
What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me. 

5. My God desires the soul’s salvation, 
Me also He desires to save; 
Therefore with Christian resignation 
All earthly troubles I will brave. 
His will be done eternally: 
What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me. 


Hymn: LSB 828 We Are Called to Stand Together
Hymnary.org