1. 1 Samuel 28:14 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why did Saul bow down with his face to the ground?

1 Samuel 28:14 (ESV)

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.

Saul is not worshipping Samuel as a divine being. He will go on to speak with him in a normal manner.1 His actions are meant to show humility and deference—a position of complete submission.