In the biblical narrative, God's response to Samuel is a significant event that highlights the transition of leadership in Israel and the establishment of the monarchy. Samuel, a prophet and judge, plays a crucial role in this transition, acting as an intermediary between God and the people of Israel.

Calling of Samuel

The first notable instance of God's response to Samuel occurs in 1 Samuel 3. As a young boy serving under Eli the priest, Samuel hears God's voice calling him during the night. Initially, Samuel does not recognize the voice as God's and runs to Eli, thinking it is he who called. After this happens three times, Eli realizes that it is the Lord calling the boy and instructs Samuel to respond, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9). When Samuel follows Eli's instruction, God reveals to him the impending judgment on Eli's house due to the iniquity of his sons and Eli's failure to restrain them. This marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry, as "the LORD was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground" (1 Samuel 3:19).

Rejection of Saul as King

Another critical moment of God's response to Samuel is found in 1 Samuel 15. God commands Saul, the first king of Israel, to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all they possess. However, Saul disobeys by sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock. When Samuel confronts Saul, God expresses His regret for making Saul king, saying, "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions" (1 Samuel 15:11). Samuel delivers God's message of rejection to Saul, emphasizing obedience over sacrifice: "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). This event signifies the end of Saul's dynasty and sets the stage for David's anointing.

Anointing of David

In 1 Samuel 16, God instructs Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. Despite Samuel's initial hesitation due to fear of Saul, God reassures him and guides him to David, the youngest son of Jesse. God tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Samuel anoints David in the presence of his brothers, and "the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13). This anointing marks the divine choice of David as the future king of Israel, a man after God's own heart.

Guidance and Support

Throughout Samuel's life, God's responses to him are characterized by guidance, support, and revelation. As a prophet, Samuel is entrusted with delivering God's messages to the people and their leaders. God's interactions with Samuel underscore the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the divine sovereignty in the affairs of Israel. Samuel's role as a prophet and judge is pivotal in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy, demonstrating God's active involvement in the leadership and direction of His chosen people.