Uncovering the Dead, Dethroning the King: Divine Embodiment in 1 Samuel 28:14

1 Samuel 28:14 describes the appearance of ghost Samuel, who, upon King Saul's request, was raised by a medium. We identify four key elements ghost's visage, all which relate to living or Saul, their relationship, and critique Saul foreshadow loss kingship his demise. The are: is an "old man," "coming up" from ground, "covered," covered "robe." Though there are many angelic divine encounters in Hebrew Bible, this passage unique that it encounter between dead. clearly outlined but often overlooked commentators, who predominantly question technical aspects necromantic ritual climax narrative. This article examines passage's representation ancient Israelite conceptions embodiment, dead's sartorial preferences, materiality. also consider rewriting translations other versions (e.g., LXX; Josephus; LAB) highlight some different associations had interpretations.