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1 Samuel 28:23

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 28:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
1 Samuel 28:23 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 28

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20Then Saul fell straightway his full length upon the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
21And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thy handmaid hath hearkened unto thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.
22Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thy handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.
23But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
24And the woman had a fatted calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it; and she took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:
25and she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.
← 1 Samuel 28:221 Samuel 28:24 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But he refused, and said, I will not eat, etc.] Choosing rather to die with famine than by the sword of the Philistines; though perhaps his meaning is, he could not eat, his stomach loathed it, being overwhelmed with grief and trouble: but his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; not by force, but by arguments; they reasoned with him, and prevailed upon him to try to eat: and he hearkened unto their voice; and agreed to eat, if he could; so he arose from the earth; on which he lay at his full length: and sat upon the bed; or couch, it being now the custom to recline on couches at caring; though some deny that this custom obtained so early.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The bed - Rather, “the bench” or divan, such as in the East still runs along the wall, furnished with cushions, for those who sit at meals Esther 1:6; Ezekiel 23:41. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on 1 Samuel 28". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/1-samuel-28.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I will: Kg1 21:4; Pro 25:20 compelled him: Kg2 4:8; Luk 14:23, Luk 24:29; Act 16:15; Co2 5:14 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 28:24”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 28 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification