The Witch of Endor: Was It Really Samuel? A Biblical Look at Demonic Deception (KJV & NIV)

The Witch of Endor – Demonic Deception or the Spirit of Samuel?

Humble Warriors of Christ: Forged in Trials

The story of Saul and the Witch (or medium) of Endor in 1 Samuel 28 is one of the most haunting and debated passages in the entire Bible. A desperate king, a forbidden séance, an apparition that speaks truth — and a chilling prophecy of death. Many readers wonder: Was it really the prophet Samuel who appeared, or something far more sinister?

While the text calls the figure “Samuel” and delivers an accurate message, the more common evangelical interpretation today is that this was not the true spirit of Samuel, but a demonic impersonation allowed by God as part of His righteous judgment on Saul’s rebellion.

Here’s why this view holds strong biblical weight.

1. The Bible’s Clear Condemnation of Necromancy
God repeatedly and severely forbids consulting the dead or practicing any form of spiritism:

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (KJV)
“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD…”

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NIV)
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…”

The dead do not return to communicate with the living. Scripture teaches that after death comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27), and the spirits of the departed have no ongoing activity on earth (Ecclesiastes 9:5–6).

2. Demons Can Masquerade as the Dead
The New Testament warns that Satan and his demons are masters of deception:

2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV)
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

Demons can appear in forms that mimic deceased loved ones or respected figures to deceive, instill fear, or draw people deeper into the occult. This explains why the medium herself was shocked when the apparition appeared (1 Samuel 28:12) — she likely expected her usual “familiar spirit” (a demonic entity she controlled), not something that delivered such a precise, God-ordained message.

3. God’s Judgment on Rebellion
Saul’s entire reign was marked by disobedience, culminating in his rejection as king:

1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…”

1 Samuel 15:23 (NIV)
“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry…”

When Saul turned to a medium, he was not only committing the very sin he had outlawed in Israel — he was completing his spiritual downfall. God, in sovereign judgment, allowed a demonic entity to appear and speak truth as the final nail in Saul’s coffin. This fits the pattern of God using even evil forces to accomplish His righteous purposes (see also 1 Kings 22:19–23, where a lying spirit is permitted to deceive Ahab).

4. The Text Calls It “Samuel” — But Context Matters
The Bible uses “Samuel” in the narrative because that’s what Saul believed he saw, and that’s how the apparition presented itself. Scripture often describes events from the human perspective without always adding interpretive footnotes. The fact that the message was true does not mean the source was godly — demons can speak partial truths to gain credibility (see Acts 16:16–18, the demon-possessed slave girl who told the truth about Paul).

What This Means for Us Today
This story is a sobering warning:

• Never seek answers from mediums, psychics, ghost hunting, or any form of spirit communication.
• When God is silent, wait on Him — do not turn to forbidden sources.
• Demons are real, deceptive, and dangerous. But Christ has all authority over them (Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 6:12).
• The safest, most powerful path is humble, direct prayer to the living God.

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever been tempted to seek “guidance” from sources the Bible forbids?
• How does knowing demons can impersonate the dead change the way you view modern paranormal experiences?
• In what areas of your life do you need to repent of rebellion and return to trusting God alone?

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your clear Word that warns us against the snares of the enemy. Protect us from deception. Guard our hearts against any rebellion that would open doors to demonic influence. Help us to seek You alone, in humility and faith, trusting that You are sovereign over every spirit.
In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Deliverer, Amen.

Brothers and sisters, the story of Endor reminds us: the enemy may whisper, impersonate, and deceive — but he can never overpower the One who conquered death and hell. Stay anchored in Scripture. Stay close to Jesus.

The Witch of Endor (also called the Medium of Endor or Woman of Endor) is an unnamed figure from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) who appears in 1 Samuel 28:3–25. She is not given a personal name in Scripture — the Bible simply describes her as "a woman who had a familiar spirit" (or "a medium" in modern translations) living in the village of Endor.

This story is one of the most dramatic and debated episodes in the Bible, involving King Saul, the prophet Samuel (who had already died), and a forbidden consultation with the dead (necromancy).

The Biblical Story in Brief

King Saul, Israel's first king, was facing a massive Philistine army and was terrified. God had stopped answering him through dreams, prophets, or the Urim (sacred lots) because of Saul's long history of disobedience. In desperation, Saul turned to what he himself had previously outlawed: consulting a medium.

1 Samuel 28:7 (KJV)
"Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor."

Saul disguised himself and went to her at night. He asked her to "bring up" the spirit of Samuel so he could get guidance for the coming battle.

The woman summoned an apparition that rose from the ground — described as "an old man" wearing a robe. Saul recognized it as Samuel. The figure rebuked Saul for disturbing him and delivered a true prophecy: God had turned away from Saul, the kingdom would be given to David, and Saul and his sons would die the next day in battle (which came true — see 1 Samuel 31).

The medium herself was shocked and cried out when the figure appeared (suggesting she didn't expect or control this particular spirit). She later showed compassion by preparing a meal for the terrified Saul before he left.

Who Was She, Really?

• Her title and role — In Hebrew, she is called a "ba'alat ov" (mistress/possessor of a familiar spirit or ghost). This likely refers to a practitioner of necromancy — communicating with or summoning spirits of the dead. Such practices were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures but strictly forbidden in Israel (see Deuteronomy 18:10–12 below).
• She was unnamed — Like many women in the Bible who play key roles, she has no personal name. She's identified only by her location (Endor, a village in northern Israel) and her forbidden profession.
• She was an outlaw — Saul had banished all mediums and necromancers from Israel earlier in his reign, so she lived in hiding or in a place where she could operate secretly.

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (KJV)
"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD…"

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NIV)
"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…"