ProlepsisOpen in the graph →

Prophecy

Endor: “tomorrow you and your sons” (1 Samuel 28)

Saul with the medium of Endor, artist’s impression by Gustave Doré (1866 Bible), after 1 Sam 28:7-25.
Artist’s impression Saul with the medium of Endor, artist’s impression by Gustave Doré (1866 Bible), after 1 Sam 28:7-25. — Gustave Doré, Wikimedia Commons · Domaine public

○ Written after the events, according to historians; tradition dates it before

Written c. 1010–1005 BC according to tradition; c. 640–560 BC according to historians. Event: c. 1005 BC.

See the full entry: sources, objections, answers

In short

The announcement. In the first book of Samuel, around 1010–1005 BC according to the usual dates, the prophet Samuel, consulted at Endor by King Saul, announces to him: “Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me”, and Israel will be handed over to the Philistines.

What happened. According to the rest of the same book, Saul and three of his sons die in the battle of Gilboa. Only the Bible tells this sequel: no outside document mentions Saul.

What is still debated. the announcement is known only from the book that tells of its fulfillment, and one of Saul's sons, Ish-bosheth, nevertheless survives and reigns for two years.

What would be striking if the text came first

The scene is disturbing: Saul turns to a practice he himself had banned. But the announcement and its fulfillment are known only from the same book, written centuries later according to historians, and one of Saul’s sons survives and reigns for two years.

Main objection (in French for now)

Saül n’est attesté par aucune inscription ni aucun document extérieur ; prédiction et accomplissement sont dans le même livre.

The text (World English Bible)

Moreover the LORD will deliver Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will deliver the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”

1 Sam 28:19

Sources