Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 28:3

3 ¶ Now Samuel was dead , and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city : and Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards out of the land .

This is mentioned here as the reason why Saul did not enquire of Samuel; which, if he had now been alive, he would have done.

Where he had his Birth and Education, and most settled Habitation, 1 Sam. 19. 18.

According to Gods command, Levit. 19. 31. and 20. 6, 27. Deut. 18. 11. This he did, either by Samuel's instigation: or from a conceit that the evil Spirit came upon him by some of their means: or, that he might gain the repute of a Religiou[illegible: 1+ letters] Prince, which was very useful to him: or, that he might quiet his troubled Conscience, and please God, as far as his Interest would give him leave. And this is here related, partly, to shew that an Hypocrite, and wicked Man, may obey some of Gods commands: and principally, to bring in the following History.

Of Israel.

Marginal references: Chap. 25. 1.