The answer is: Prophets of Baal

1 Samuel 28:6-7

In 1 Samuel, we find the dark turning point in Saul’s kingdom where desperation drives him to seek out answers. Initially chosen by God and filled with the Spirit, Saul had the potential for greatness. But as a fragile shell of his former self, the king's decisions grow increasingly questionable. Instead of turning to the true prophets of Israel, who could guide him toward divine wisdom, he looks to the forbidden—he seeks out a medium to contact the deceased prophet Samuel.

The absence of the prophets of Baal from Saul's choices is telling. By this point in Israel's history, the worship of foreign gods like Baal had wreaked havoc on the nation. Even he recognized that consulting such false prophets would not yield the genuine support or direction he needed. In turning to a medium, Saul echoes the tragedy of many biblical figures who doubt God’s plan and grasp in desperation for answers elsewhere. This story is also a reminder of how far Saul had strayed from where his journey began—natural-born leader brought low by disobedience and paranoia.

Interestingly, this moment reflects a classic Biblical principle: seeking genuine truth is vital, and often, those on the outside may present more admirable choices than we realize. In the grand sweep ofScripture, complications arise when we play around with untruths instead of leaning wholeheartedly on the direct connection with the divine. It’s worth pondering—what mediums might we be turning to in modern times that lead us away from our own clarity?