The Doom of Saul

Reflections on the End of a King

Saul has spent years of his kingship pursuing David. The Philistines have not been sitting still- by 1 Samuel 28, they have regathered their strength and reality crashes on the House of Saul- David was never the threat. The Philistine invasion is at hand. All may be lost- and Saul ends his life consorting with a medium. Remember, when David was anointed, Saul became tormented by demons. Here, he ends his life dalliancing with those very demons. In scripture, we often find that divine silence is meant to provoke us to repentance. Saul receives no communication from the Lord, and he is terrified- the Philistine strength has recovered. They are preparing a major offensive to subjugate Israel again. And unlike Saul’s first campaigns, he receives no divine communication. He should know why. But instead, he goes to a medium.

He puts on other garments- garments have played a major role throughout these stories- this final disrobing indicates the final setting aside of the kingship. Saul has embraced the man he has chosen to become. St. Paul describes our resurrection body as a garment prepared in heaven. This is a garment prepared in hell.