by furaha nchimbi | 2 September 2019 08:46 pm09
Shalom! To answer this question properly, we must begin with a foundational truth: God is omnipresent He exists everywhere and nothing is hidden from Him, not even the realm of darkness.
In Psalm 139:7–12 (ESV), David declares:
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!… Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” (vv. 7–12)
This psalm reveals God’s unlimited reach and knowledge even the darkest, most hidden places are fully exposed to Him. This truth establishes that God can intervene or speak in any context, including situations involving darkness or rebellion.
Scripture reveals three main “realms” or “kingdoms” active in creation:
The Kingdom of God – The highest authority; holy, eternal, and sovereign (Luke 1:33, Matthew 6:10).
The kingdom of darkness – Governed by Satan, active in deception, witchcraft, rebellion, and sin (Colossians 1:13, Ephesians 6:12).
The kingdom of man – The physical realm we inhabit, influenced by the above two (Genesis 1:28, Romans 5:12).
Each of these realms has its own jurisdiction and influence, but only God’s Kingdom is supreme. He alone has full authority over all creation (Psalm 103:19).
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19 (ESV)
Even Satan acknowledged a form of temporal control over the earthly kingdoms when tempting Jesus:
“All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:9 (ESV)
This was not an empty boast. While God is sovereign, He allows limited authority to Satan within boundaries He controls (Job 1:12, Luke 22:31–32).
In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul, having lost favor with God and no longer hearing from Him through prophets, dreams, or the Urim, sought out a medium the so-called “Witch of Endor.” This was a direct violation of God’s Law:
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31 (ESV)
“There shall not be found among you anyone who… practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens… For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV)
Despite this rebellion, something unusual happened Samuel appeared and spoke to Saul.
Now, theologians differ on whether this was truly the spirit of Samuel or a demon impersonating him. But the text itself (1 Samuel 28:12–20) strongly suggests God allowed Samuel to appear, not as a sign of approval, but as an act of judgment:
“Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy?” 1 Samuel 28:16 (ESV)
This was not divine endorsement of witchcraft. Rather, it was God using even a forbidden situation to declare judgment on Saul. Saul was already condemned for his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23), and consulting a medium sealed his fate.
Theologically, yes God can speak through or in any circumstance, even in places or through means that are not godly. Why? Because He is sovereign (Romans 8:28, Daniel 4:35). But that does not mean He approves of the method or that the person is right with God.
In Numbers 22, Balaam, a pagan prophet skilled in divination, hears directly from God. God even uses Balaam’s donkey to speak a message! But Balaam’s intentions were corrupt, and he later led Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16). Despite hearing God’s voice, Balaam was ultimately killed in judgment (Joshua 13:22).
Lesson: Hearing from God is not the same as being right with God.
People who turn to witchcraft, fortune-telling, or other occult practices are not genuinely seeking God they’re usually looking for quick fixes to life’s problems. But Scripture warns:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)
Saul didn’t go to the medium to seek God he went to get answers that God had withheld. This is a warning: trying to reach God through forbidden means invites judgment, not blessing.
God’s true method of communication and reconciliation with man is through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 (ESV)
Any attempt to approach God through idols, the occult, or alternative spiritual paths is rebellion and leads to destruction even if “answers” seem to come. Those answers are often deceptive or come with spiritual consequences (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12).
Yes, God is able to speak in any situation—even through darkness—because He is omnipresent and sovereign. However, that does not mean He endorses or approves of the methods used.
When He does choose to speak in such contexts, it is often a warning or a final word of judgment, not favor or guidance.
Key truth: God’s answers will never contradict His Word.
To seek God properly, we must come through faith in Jesus Christ, with a humble heart, and in obedience to His Word. Any other way is dangerous and leads away from truth.
Scripture References Used:
Psalm 139:7–12 – God’s Omnipresence (ESV)
1 Samuel 28:6–20 – Saul and the Medium of Endor (ESV)
Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10–12 – Prohibition of Witchcraft (ESV)
Numbers 22–24, 31:16, Joshua 13:22 – The story of Balaam
John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5 – Christ as the only way to God (ESV/NKJV)
Proverbs 14:12 – Deceptive paths (ESV)
2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 – Deceptive spiritual experiences (NIV
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/09/02/can-god-speak-through-the-powers-of-darkness-im-confused-when-i-read-the-story-of-king-saul-receiving-answers-through-the-woman-who-practiced-witchcraft-1-samuel-28/
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