* the Lord.
12:25 31:1-6 1Ki 22:20,28
* 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.
Ex 9:18 Jer 28:16,17 Da 5:25-28 Mt 26:24 Ac 5:5,9,10
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