Did the Witch of Endor really call the spirt of Samuel?
The story of the Witch of Endor summoning the the ghost or spirit of Samuel in 1 Samuel 28 is often dismissed as a trick, hallucination, or a demonic deception. But is it really? There are, in fact, reasons to believe it was the spirit of Samuel: 1) The spirit of Samuel prophesized that the Philistines would defeat Israel and Saul and his sons would die the very next day. The people involved and the exact day it was prophesied were fulfilled to the letter. This would rule out a demon because they don't know the future, nor can they make it happen. Also, the spirit of Samuel did not contradict God or say anything that is untrue. He only confirmed what God has already decreed, rebukes Saul, and enforces accountability, just as an actual prophet of God would do. Demons deceive, but there was no deception involved. 2) The witch of Endor is startled and surprised to see the ghost of Samuel, indicating it was a genuine experience. Also, the witch was reluctant to even call forth Samuel o...