1 Samuel 7:17

Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.

Study Bible

Then he would return to Ramah
Ramah was the hometown of Samuel, a significant prophet and judge in Israel. Located in the hill country of Ephraim, Ramah served as a central location for Samuel's ministry. The act of returning to Ramah signifies Samuel's commitment to his roots and his role as a leader who remained connected to his community. Ramah's geographical position made it a strategic location for Samuel's circuit of judging Israel, as it was accessible to many tribes.

because his home was there
Samuel's residence in Ramah highlights the importance of having a stable base for his ministry. It underscores the biblical principle of leaders being grounded in their communities. This phrase also reflects the cultural norm of the time, where family and land were integral to one's identity and ministry. Samuel's home in Ramah symbolizes his personal commitment to the people of Israel and his role as a spiritual leader.

and there he judged Israel
Samuel's role as a judge involved more than legal decisions; it encompassed spiritual leadership and guidance. As a judge, Samuel was responsible for maintaining justice and righteousness in Israel, a role that was both judicial and prophetic. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of God raising leaders to guide His people, as seen in the Book of Judges. Samuel's judging in Ramah signifies a centralized location for his leadership, where he could address the spiritual and social issues of the nation.

and built an altar to the LORD
Building an altar was a significant act of worship and dedication to God. It reflects Samuel's role as a spiritual leader who prioritized worship and obedience to the LORD. This act connects to the patriarchal tradition of building altars, as seen with figures like Abraham and Jacob, symbolizing a place of encounter with God. The altar in Ramah served as a focal point for communal worship and sacrifice, reinforcing the centrality of God in the life of Israel. It also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet, judge, and leader of Israel who played a crucial role in transitioning Israel from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is known for his dedication to God and his role in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

2. Ramah
Samuel's hometown, located in the territory of Benjamin. It served as his base of operations and a place of spiritual leadership where he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.

3. Judging Israel
Samuel's role as a judge involved leading, guiding, and making judicial decisions for the people of Israel. His leadership was marked by a return to faithfulness to God and a rejection of idolatry.

4. Altar to the LORD
The altar Samuel built in Ramah was a place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing his commitment to God and serving as a focal point for the spiritual life of the community.

Teaching Points

Faithful Leadership
Samuel's consistent return to Ramah and his role as a judge highlight the importance of faithful and consistent leadership rooted in God's guidance.

Centrality of Worship
The altar Samuel built signifies the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. It serves as a reminder to prioritize worship and maintain a personal and communal relationship with God.

Home as a Spiritual Base
Samuel's return to Ramah underscores the significance of having a spiritual base or home where one can grow in faith and lead others.

Commitment to God's Call
Samuel's life exemplifies a commitment to God's call, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their divine assignments despite challenges or changes in societal structures.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samuel's role as a judge in Israel compare to the leadership roles we see in the church today?

2. In what ways can we make our homes a spiritual base like Ramah was for Samuel?

3. How does the building of an altar in Ramah reflect the importance of worship in our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from Samuel's faithful leadership that can be applied to our roles in our communities and workplaces?

5. How does the transition from judges to kings in Israel's history challenge us to trust in God's timing and plan for leadership in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 3:19-21
These verses describe Samuel's growth as a prophet and his recognition throughout Israel, establishing his authority and connection to God.

1 Samuel 8:1-3
This passage highlights the transition from Samuel's judgeship to the demand for a king, showing the people's desire for a different form of leadership despite Samuel's faithful service.

Judges 21:25
This verse provides context for the period of the judges, characterized by a lack of centralized leadership and the people's tendency to do what was right in their own eyes, contrasting with Samuel's faithful leadership.

Genesis 12:7
This verse describes Abraham building an altar to the LORD, drawing a parallel to Samuel's actions and emphasizing the importance of worship and dedication to God.