Day 118: King Saul Despairs (2026)
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On Day 118 of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores 1 Samuel 27 and 28, focusing on David’s flight to Gath and Saul’s desperate consultation of the medium at Endor. David, fearing for his life from Saul, takes refuge among the Philistines, even raiding Israelite territories to prove his loyalty to King Akshish—ironically securing his trust by appearing to have severed ties with Israel. Meanwhile, Saul, abandoned by God and overwhelmed by fear as the Philistines prepare to attack, violates his own decree by seeking guidance from a medium at Endor. The encounter with Samuel’s spirit confirms Saul’s impending doom, revealing that God has rejected him due to disobedience. Fr. Mike emphasizes the spiritual reality of the afterlife and the danger of necromancy, warning that seeking answers through horoscopes, mediums, or divination is not only forbidden but spiritually perilous. He calls listeners to trust God fully, even in silence, and to repent of any occult practices, urging confession and spiritual renewal. The episode closes with a powerful reminder of God’s presence and the need for prayer and community.
When God is silent, we must not turn to forbidden sources of guidance like mediums or horoscopes.
Necromancy and divination are spiritually dangerous and violate the first commandment.
David’s actions, though pragmatic, reveal the cost of living in fear and separation from God.
Saul’s downfall stems not just from sin but from desperation and a failure to trust God’s timing.
The spiritual world is real—angels and demons exist, and we must align with God, not false powers.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Overview of Today's Reading
Fr. Mike introduces the episode, announcing the reading of 1 Samuel 27 and 28, Psalm 34, and the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. He highlights the Spanish version of the Great Adventure Bible and invites listeners to download the Bible in a Year plan.
David’s Flight to Gath and Strategic Deception
“He tells King Akshish that he is raiding the people of Israel. He's telling them. And so here is King Ashish who's like, oh my gosh, yeah, absolutely. David is now on our side irrevocably because of the fact that he has burned his bridges.”
Saul’s Desperation and the Forbidden Consultation
“When God is silent, he turns to something other than God to have certainty. He turns to something other than God to have some kind of sense of what should I do next?”
The Spiritual Reality of the Afterlife and the Danger of Divination
“If that's been part of your life, my invitation, I beg you, please get rid of those things, burn them, throw them away and get to confession.”
Closing Reflection: Trusting God in Silence
Fr. Mike concludes with a call to trust God’s providence, even in uncertainty. He affirms the reality of the spiritual world and the power of Christ to overcome evil, urging listeners to pray for one another and remain rooted in faith.
“If that's been part of your life, my invitation, I beg you, please get rid of those things, burn them, throw them away and get to confession.”
“When God is silent, he turns to something other than God to have certainty. He turns to something other than God to have some kind of sense of what should I do next?”
“All forms of divination are to be rejected... They contradict the honor, respect and loving fear that we owe to God alone.”
Host
David
person
Saul
person
Fr. Mike Schmitz
person
Samuel
person
Akshish
person
Philistines
organization
Medium of Endor
person
Great Adventure Bible
book
Psalm 34
book
Ascension
organization
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