Samuel's death and the mention of Saul's commendable removal of mediums and spiritists prepare for what follows (cf. Lev. 19:3; Deut. 18:11). Mediums are people who communicate with the dead, and spiritists are those who communicate with evil spirits. The terms always go together in the Old Testament indicating the close relationship that exists between these activities. The Mosaic Law prescribed death for mediums and spiritists because God promised to give His people all the information He wanted them to have about the future from prophets (Deut. 18). It was unwise, even dangerous and therefore forbidden, for them to seek more information from these other sources.
Shunem lay on the south slope of the hill of Moreh that occupied part of the eastern end of the Jezreel plain in Issachar's territory. Gilboa lay opposite it to the south and was really the name of a mountain. This was the same area where Gideon had routed the Midianites (Judg. 7).
"The wording of this introduction (28:4f.) is notable, for it is strongly reminiscent of two other fateful confrontations between Saul and the Philistines, the first at Michmash/Gilgal (13:5f.), the second at Socoh/Elah (17:1f., 11)."273
Saul again feared the Philistines (v. 5). If this enemy succeeded, they would cut Israel in half geographically. God gave Saul no guidance in response to his prayers. Since Saul had refused to listen to God in the past (chs. 13; 15), God now refused to listen to him (cf. v. 18). He gave the king no revelation about how to proceed. Normally when people refuse to pay attention to the word of God, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to hear the word of God (cf. Jer. 7:13-16).
Saul then proceeded to try to obtain information about the future, specifically about the imminent encounter with the Philistines, from another supernatural source. Publicly Saul was against these diviners (v. 3), but privately he now sought one out. This is hypocrisy.
". . . Saul's attempts at inquiry were of so unworthy a nature that it would be an abuse of language to speak of him as really inquiring of Jehovah.'"274
Endor stood on the north slope of the hill of Moreh, on the other side from that on which the Philistines camped.
