1 Samuel 28:6

Enquired of the Lord. There is no discrepancy between this statement and that in 1 Chron. 10:14 which states that Saul did not inquire of the Lord. Hebrew words are frequently more inclusive in their meaning than our English words. The word “enquire” may, as in 1 Chron. 10:14, include the whole process of (1) asking for the information, (2) receiving an answer, (3) acting favorably upon the answer. In the verse now under consideration Saul did not make this kind of inquiry. The word “enquired” is used in its more restrictive sense. Saul did make approaches to God for information, but the Lord made no reply.

Answered him not. The Lord never turns away any soul who comes to Him in humility and sincerity. The answer may not come in the manner expected or at the time expected, but God takes note of the petition and works what is best under the circumstances. The frantic appeals of Saul reached the divine ear, but in view of the situation, God chose not to impart the information the king was seeking. Saul had deliberately refused to wait for God’s counsel at Gilgal (ch. 13:8—14), or to accept any messages contrary to his kingly ideas. He had had access to the tabernacle at Nob, but had murdered the priests. Inasmuch as Saul had voluntarily chosen to follow his own counsel, God permitted him to reap the fruit of such sowing. Had he been repentant and submissive, God could have turned his mistakes into steppingstones to success. Saul’s experience illustrates the truth, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7; cf. 5T 119).

The text seems to indicate that in his desperation, Saul tried hurriedly to inquire by means of dreams, Urim, and prophets, but all three were silent. Since Abiathar had the ephod in his possession, some think that Saul ordered another made.