1 Samuel 28:3
Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
Samuel was dead, lamented by all Israel, and buried in Ramah, in his own city. Before that final crisis Saul had put away those with familiar spirits and the wizards, expelling mediums and spiritists out of the land. Yet in desperation he later sought out a woman with a familiar spirit, turning for help to the very kind of medium he had condemned. He acted knowingly, aware that such consulting was forbidden and a violation of God's command, and that by this step he would seal his separation from God.
The figure that then appeared was not Samuel himself, for God did not bring Samuel back from the grave. Satan was not permitted to disturb the prophet's rest and call him forth. What deceived the living was impersonation, for Satan's angels are able to imitate the dead. They take the form and manner of deceased friends in order to mislead those who consult them.