1 Samuel 28 — Dead Sea Scrolls
1 attestation entry • 0 variants • 4QSamᵃ family
Manuscript Overview
Summary
1 Samuel 28 narrates Saul's consultation of the medium at Endor and the appearance of Samuel. 4QSamᵃ preserves portions of this theologically dense chapter with minor variants.
Notable Variants
Minor wording variants. The substance of the necromancy narrative — including Samuel's appearance from below the earth and his prophecy of Saul's death — tracks MT.
Manuscripts
4QSamᵃ (4Q51)
Scroll Condition
Fragmentary attestation.
13
tracks MT
The king said to her, "Do not be afraid. What do you see?" The woman said to Saul, "I see a divine being rising from the earth."
The medium's description of Samuel as 'a god (elohim) coming up out of the earth' tracks MT — a striking use of elohim for a deceased prophet.
fragmentary