The Prophet,the Witch and the Ghost: Understanding the Parody of Saul as a ‘Prophet’ and the Purpose of Endor in the Deuteronomistic History

Abstract

This study engages the ironic representation of Saul as a ‘prophet’ and his later characterization at Endor, noting the subversion of his original prophetic introduction in 1 Samuel 9–10 and the parody of this same representation through his identification with witchcraft/divination in 1 Samuel 28. The parody sabotages the royal aspirations of the Saulides because it associates them with the forbidden practice of witchcraft. The study also shows the underlying importance of Saul's characterization at Endor within the Deuteronomistic history, especially in the quest subtly to associate Saul with the major villains of this same history who are not only connected to these same banned cultic practices but also blamed for the exile. Saul is thus intentionally implicated and further criminalized as the prototype of subsequent kingship's failure, and the Endor incident becomes an ominous sign of doom not only for the Saulides but also for the entire nation of Israel.