When the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 12. Woman. The Rabbins pretend that she was Abner’s mother, ( Calmet.) which is extremely improbable, as he was of the tribe of Benjamin, and a man of such renown. Salien.—Theodoret follows their opinion, in supposing that the woman was startled, because Samuel appeared in a standing posture, and not with his feet upwards, or lying down on his back, as in a coffin, which they say ( Calmet.) is the usual manner of spirits appearing to people of her character. Bellarm. Purgat. ii. 6.—She cried out, because he appeared before she had begun her incantations, and was arrayed like a priest, according to Josephus, ( Bible.) in great majesty, or she pretended to see him, the better to impose upon the king; for some think that all was a delusion. Calmet.—Saul. This she learnt either from Samuel, (Josephus) or from her familiar spirit. Menochius.