1 Samuel 28

“And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets” (v6).  Saul could not force God to answer him, and he was “afraid, and his heart trembled greatly” (v5).  In frustration, Saul took matters into his own hands and asked a witch to bring up the spirit of the prophet Samuel, who had died (v11).  As well as being totally prohibited by God, this act was useless: King Saul could not escape God’s judgment (v16-18).

“Therefore, the Lord has done this thing” (v18).  Our small efforts at manipulation and control are no match for God; He calls us to submit totally to Him and find mercy and help.