1. At that time the Philistines had gathered their army to fight against Israel. Then Achish said to David, “You need to know that you and your men will be going with me into battle.”
2. “Very well,” David responded to Achish, “you will then know what I can do.”“Very well,” Achish told David, “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”
3. Meanwhile, Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his hometown Ramah. (Saul had rid the land of mediums and psychics.)
4. The Philistines assembled and camped in Shunem. Saul also assembled the whole Israelite army, and they camped at Gilboa.
5. When Saul looked at the Philistine army, he was very afraid—terrified.
6. He prayed to the Lord, but the Lord didn’t answer him through dreams, the Urim, or prophets.
7. Saul told his officers, “Find me a woman who conjures up the dead. Then I’ll go to her and ask for her services.”His officers told him, “There is a woman at Endor who conjures up the dead.”
8. After disguising himself by putting on other clothes, Saul left with two men and came to the woman that night. He said to her, “Please consult with a dead person for me. Conjure up the person I request.”
9. The woman told him, “You know that Saul rid the land of mediums and psychics. Why are you trying to trap me and have me killed?”
10. But Saul took an oath in the Lord’s name, “I solemnly swear, as the Lord lives, you will not be harmed if you do this.”
11. “Whom should I conjure up for you?” the woman asked.“Conjure up Samuel for me,” he answered.
12. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out loudly and asked, “Why did you deceive me? You’re Saul!”
13. “Don’t be afraid,” the king said to her. “What do you see?”“I see a god rising from the ground,” the woman answered.
14. “In what form?” he asked her.She answered, “An old man is coming up, and he’s wearing a robe.” Then Saul knew it was Samuel. Saul knelt down with his face touching the ground.