10. Saul used the Lord’S name to make a promise to the woman. He said, “As surely as the Lord lives, you won’t be punished for doing this.”
11. The woman asked, “Who do you want me to bring up for you?” Saul answered, “Bring up Samuel.”
12. And it happened—the woman saw Samuel and screamed. She said to Saul, “You tricked me! You are Saul.”
13. The king said to the woman, “Don’t be afraid! What do you see?” The woman said, “I see a spirit coming up out of the ground.”
14. Saul asked, “What does he look like?” The woman answered, “He looks like an old man wearing a special robe.” Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down. His face touched the ground.
15. Samuel said to Saul, “Why did you bother me? Why did you bring me up?” Saul answered, “I am in trouble! The Philistines have come to fight me, and God has left me. God won’t answer me anymore. He won’t use prophets or dreams to answer me, so I called you. I want you to tell me what to do.”
16. Samuel said, “The Lord left you and is now your enemy, so why are you asking me for advice?
17. The Lord used me to tell you what he would do, and now he is doing what he said he would do. He is tearing the kingdom out of your hands and giving it to your neighbor, David.
18. The Lord was angry with the Amalekites and told you to destroy them. But you did not obey him. That’s why the Lord is doing this to you today.
19. The Lord will let the Philistines defeat you and the army of Israel today. Tomorrow, you and your sons will be here with me.”
20. Saul quickly fell to the ground and lay stretched out there. Saul was afraid because of what Samuel said. Saul was also very weak because he had not eaten any food all that day and night.