Definition: Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 28:7. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Saul is upset: Saul, the commander of the Israelite army, is feeling very angry and frustrated. He’s having an intense argument with God. He wants to talk to someone: Saul decides he needs to speak with someone – a woman who seems to have a special connection or spirit. He finds a woman at Endor: The verse tells us that he discovers a woman named “Deborah” (the name is important) at a place called Endor. This location is significant because it’s a strategic point for watching the battlefield. What does it mean? This verse paints a picture of Saul's intense jealousy and suspicion. It suggests that he believes this woman, Deborah, possesses a powerful or mystical ability – perhaps even divine influence – that could help him to gain an advantage in the battle. He’s feeling like she’s a key to victory. Important Note: The word “familiar spirit” is tricky. It doesn't necessarily mean she's religious or spiritual. It could refer to something more mysterious and perhaps even unsettling – a kind of intense focus, energy, or connection that makes her uniquely powerful. It’s a bit ambiguous in the original text. Why is it significant? This story is often seen as a foreshadowing of Saul's eventual downfall. It shows how quickly his anger and desire for power could lead him down a dangerous path. It highlights the potential for human pride and suspicion to cloud our judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail? Explore what the word "familiar spirit" might symbolize?