Saul and the Spirit of Samuel
Pope Shenouda III addresses the issue of Saul and the alleged summoning of Samuel’s spirit, explaining the complexity of this topic and the differing interpretations surrounding it, while emphasizing that spirit summoning is completely rejected and condemned by divine law.
First: God’s Position on Spirit Summoning
Pope Shenouda III explains that God forbade summoning spirits and considered it an abomination and uncleanness, which was the reason for driving out pagan nations. Therefore, God cannot use a method He Himself condemns to reveal His will.
Second: Human and Satanic Authority over Spirits
He affirms that Satan has no authority over the spirits of prophets or saints, as they are higher than him. Neither a medium nor a demon can summon the spirit of a prophet such as Samuel.
Third: Analysis of Saul and the Medium’s Story
Pope Shenouda III highlights several observations:
- The medium did not call Samuel by name nor use incantations.
- The appearing figure did not declare himself to be Samuel.
- Saul himself did not see anything and relied solely on the medium’s description.
- The medium herself was terrified, indicating she was not in control of the event.
Fourth: The Three Interpretations of the Event
- The appearing spirit was an evil spirit impersonating Samuel.
- Samuel himself truly appeared.
- Samuel appeared by God’s will, not through the medium.
The theological analysis casts doubt on the second and third views, as they conflict with God’s justice and His refusal to communicate with Saul at that stage.
Fifth: The Spiritual Purpose of the Story
The purpose of recording this event in Scripture is to demonstrate the seriousness of resorting to magic and spirit summoning, and to confirm that Saul was punished for his unfaithfulness to God and his consultation of spirits, not because God used such a method.
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