1-3. Samuel had died some time earlier, and people from all over Israel had attended his funeral in his home town of Ramah.Meanwhile, Saul had been trying to get rid of everyone who spoke with the spirits of the dead. But one day the Philistines brought their soldiers together to attack Israel.Achish told David, “Of course, you know that you and your men must fight as part of our Philistine army.”David answered, “That will give you a chance to see for yourself just how well we can fight!”“In that case,” Achish said, “you and your men will always be my bodyguards.”
4. The Philistines went to Shunem and set up camp. Saul called the army of Israel together, and they set up their camp in Gilboa.
5. Saul took one look at the Philistine army and started shaking with fear.
6. So he asked the Lord what to do. But the Lord would not answer, either in a dream or by a priest or a prophet.
7. Then Saul told his officers, “Find me a woman who can talk to the spirits of the dead. I'll go to her and find out what's going to happen.”His servants told him, “There's a woman at Endor who can talk to spirits of the dead.”
8. That night, Saul put on different clothing so nobody would recognize him. Then he and two of his men went to the woman, and asked, “Will you bring up the ghost of someone for us?”
9. The woman said, “Why are you trying to trick me and get me killed? You know King Saul has got rid of everyone who talks to the spirits of the dead!”