The Philistines planned to attack Israel and enlisted David to help them. David promises his allegiance. The enlisting of David's men followed normal middle-eastern customs, and would be a test of David's loyalty.
Samuel had died and was mourned by the nation. Saul had done some good things, such as expelling the mediums and spiritists from the land. However, his heart was not right. Doing the right things is not enough, it is what is in our heart that determines what the end result will be.
When the Philistines came to attack Saul inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer. Saul then sought out a medium to provide guidance. Now our first reaction might be that God is making it difficult for Saul, and Saul can not really be blamed for all that happened. However, what should Saul's response have been? He should have repented of his sins, then the Lord would have turned to him.
There were reports of one at Endor, so Saul disguised himself and went off to seek her.
The woman brought up the spirit of Samuel. Now this immediately presents us with problems. We know that the Bible forbids the consulting of spirits, so what is going on here? It could genuinely have been the spirit of Samuel and God was working through the woman. Or it could have been an evil spirit pretending to be Samuel. Or maybe there is some other explanation.
Whatever the case, Saul receives words of judgement. Saul was doing all he could to escape the judgement of God, but he would not do the one thing that would have worked, repenting of his actions and attitudes.
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