Samuel was dead: this is mentioned here as the reason why Saul did not inquire of Samuel; which, if he had now been alive, he would have done. In his own city, where he had his birth and education, and most settled habitation, 1 Samuel 19:18. Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards; according to God's command, Leviticus 19:31, Leviticus 20:6,27 Deu 18:11. This he did, either by Samuel's instigation; or from a conceit that the evil spirit came upon him by some of their means; or that he might gain the repute of a religious prince, which was very useful to him; or that he might quiet his troubled conscience, and please God as far as his interest would give him leave. And this is here related, partly to show that a hypocrite and wicked man may obey some of God's commands, and principally to bring in the following history. Out of the land of Israel.

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