Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Samuel 28:8. It’s a really strange and dramatic moment in Samuel’s life! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Saul is a King: Saul was the leader of Israel at the time, and he was known for being ambitious and somewhat paranoid. He's in Trouble: He’s been sent to find a young woman named Hannah (who was a widow). He’s essentially on a mission to find her – a very important task! He's Being Followed: Saul is being watched by two men, who are following him. They’re clearly trying to see what he’s doing. What Happened Next: He Changes His Appearance: Saul, feeling exposed and vulnerable, decides to disguise himself. He puts on a new outfit – something more formal and less obvious than his usual attire. He Goes to the Woman: Saul goes to Hannah's house at night. He Appeals to God: He then prays fervently to God, asking for a specific favor: “Divine unto me, by the familiar spirit, bring me [him] up.” “Divine spirit” means he’s asking God to intervene somehow. And importantly, he's asking for him to be named something for her. What’s the Significance? This passage is a really unusual and unsettling moment in the Bible. It speaks to several things: Saul’s Pride: He’s trying to appear more powerful and important than he actually is. He's attempting to manipulate God through his own ambition. God’s Intervention: It suggests that God is willing to intervene in human affairs, even when people are trying to deceive or control him. The Power of Prayer: Saul's prayer is a powerful expression of his desire for something – a specific person – to be recognized and honored. In short, this passage describes Saul’s attempt to appear more important than he is, and God responding with a plea for divine intervention. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this passage might symbolize in the Bible?