1. At that time, the Philistines gathered their troops for war to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, "Count on you and your soldiers marching out with me in the army."
2. "Excellent," David answered Achish. "Now you’ll see for yourself what your servant can do." "Excellent," Achish replied. "I will make you my permanent bodyguard."
3. Now Samuel had died, and all Israel mourned him and buried him in Ramah, his hometown. And Saul had banned all mediums and diviners from the land.
4. The Philistines gathered their forces and advanced to camp at Shunem. Saul gathered all Israel, and they camped at Gilboa.
5. When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was so afraid that his heart beat wildly.
6. When Saul questioned the Lord, the Lord didn’t answer him—not by dreams, not by the Urim, and not by the prophets.
7. So Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woman who communicates with ghosts! I’ll then go to her and ask by using her techniques.""There is such a medium in En-dor," his servants replied.
8. So Saul disguised himself, dressing in different clothes. Then he and two men set out, going to the woman at nighttime."Please call up a ghost for me! Bring me the one I specify," Saul said.
9. "Listen," the woman said to him, "you know what Saul has done, how he has banned all mediums and diviners from the land. What are you doing? Trying to get me killed?"