Q&A Home > W > Witchcraft / Sorcery

First, what is the truth about ghosts and hauntings? Second, when King Saul went to the medium and she summoned the prophet Samuel, was that actually Samuel or a demon resembling Samuel? If it was the prophet Samuel, why would God allow this? Will people not think that sorcery, witchcraft, etc., work for real?

It was Samuel, according to Sirach 46:20: "Even after death his guidance was sought; he made known to the king his fate. From the grave he spoke in prophecy to put an end to wickedness."

Samuel came not by the power of the medium, but God allowed him to appear to Saul. That is why the woman screamed seeing Samuel and described him as a god because she did not expect that. "When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, 'Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!' And the king said to her, 'Do not be afraid. What did you see?' And the woman said to Saul, 'I saw a spirit ascending out of the earth.' So he said to her, 'What is his form?' And she said, 'An old man is coming up, and he is covered with a mantle.'" (1 Samuel 28:12-14).

Sometimes God speaks to the people with the language they understand like how He spoke to the wise men by stars and to the shepherds by angels, etc.

Ghosts do not exist from a biblical perspective. Angels and demons are two supernatural powers. Angels are messengers of good and demons prowl seeking whom they may devour (1 Peter 5:8). When Moses and Elijah conferred with the Lord Jesus Christ, it was for a very specific purpose (cf. Matthew 17:1-8).