1 Samuel 28:17-25
has ...... prophesied <01696> [to him. or, for himself.]
The LXX. read [soi,] and the Vulgate {tibi,} to thee; which is the reading of five of Dr. Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., as well as both the Bibles printed at Venice in 1518, where we read {lecha,} "to thee," for {lo,} "to him;" and as the words are spoken to Saul, this seems to be evidently the correct reading.
has ...... prophesied <01696> [as he spake.]
hand <03027> [me. Heb. mine hand. thy neighbour.]
obey <08085> [obeyedst.]
Lord .............. Lord <03068> [hath the Lord.]
Lord ...................... Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
Tomorrow <04279> [and to-morrow.]
There is considerable diversity of opinion, both among learned and pious men, relative to this appearance to Saul. But the most probable opinion seems to be, that Samuel himself did actually appear to Saul, not by the power of enchantment, but by the appointment and especial mercy of God, to warn this infatuated monarch of his approaching end, that he might be reconciled with his Maker. There is not the smallest intimation of chicanery or Satanic influence given in the text; but on the contrary, from the plain and obvious meaning of the language employed, it is perfectly evident that it was Samuel himself, {Shemooel hoo,} as it is expressed in ver. 14. Indeed the very soul of Samuel seems to breathe in his expressions of displeasure against the disobedience and wickedness of Saul; while the awful prophetic denunciations which accordingly came to pass, were such as neither human nor diabolical wisdom could foresee, and which could only be known to God himself, and to those to whom he chose to reveal them.
quickly fell <05307 04116> [fell straightway. Heb. made haste and fell with the fullness of his stature. sore afraid.]
took <07760> [I have put.]
eat <0398> [I will.]
urged ....... gave in <06555 08085> [compelled him.]
well-fed calf <05695 04770> [a fat calf.]
