The explanation provided interprets the story of Saul and the witch of Endor from 1 Samuel 28 within the context of Saul’s disobedience and desperation. It emphasizes that the appearance of the spirit summoned by the witch does not necessarily prove the existence of an afterlife or the continued existence of deceased individuals in spiritual form.

The passage points out that demons have the ability to impersonate other beings, including deceased individuals. If the spirit that appeared to Saul was an impersonation of Samuel by a demon, it does not provide evidence of life after death. The Bible warns against engaging in practices such as witchcraft, sorcery, and necromancy, and associating with those who practice them.

Moreover, the passage highlights that God had stopped communicating with Saul, as stated in 1 Samuel 28:6, and refused to speak to him through His prophets. If Samuel were still alive in spiritual form after death, it would be illogical for him to rebel against God by delivering a prophetic message to Saul.

In conclusion, t the spirit summoned by the witch of Endor was not Samuel but a demon, and the story does not provide evidence of an afterlife or the existence of deceased individuals in spiritual form.