Why did the mention of an old man wearing a robe cause Saul to know that it was Samuel?
1 Samuel 28:14 (ESV)
14He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.
Most likely the robe was a characteristic garb of Samuel (cf. 1 Samuel 15:27) and Saul recognised him on this basis.1 Even though he was not privy to the apparition itself, he was convinced of Samuel’s presence from the woman’s description.2
14 He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.