Imprecation: Samuel
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Topical Encyclopedia
Imprecation, in the biblical context, refers to the invocation of a curse or judgment upon one's enemies or those perceived as the enemies of God. The concept of imprecation is notably present in the life and ministry of the prophet Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel. Samuel, whose account is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, served as a prophet, judge, and leader during a critical period of transition from the time of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.

Samuel's Role and Authority

Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, and grew up in the temple under the guidance of Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:24-28). As he matured, Samuel was recognized as a prophet of the Lord, and "the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground" (1 Samuel 3:19). His authority as a prophet was established by his ability to hear from God and deliver His messages to the people of Israel.

Imprecations in Samuel's Ministry

One of the most significant instances of imprecation in Samuel's ministry is found in his dealings with King Saul. After Saul disobeyed God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions, Samuel pronounced God's judgment upon him. Samuel declared, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23). This pronouncement was not merely a personal rebuke but an imprecation that signified the divine rejection of Saul's kingship.

Furthermore, Samuel's imprecatory actions are evident in his execution of Agag, the king of the Amalekites. Despite Saul's failure to carry out God's command, Samuel took it upon himself to fulfill the divine mandate. "Then Samuel said, 'As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.' And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal" (1 Samuel 15:33). This act of imprecation was a demonstration of Samuel's commitment to God's justice and holiness.

Theological Implications

The imprecations associated with Samuel highlight the seriousness with which God views obedience and the execution of His commands. Samuel's actions serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of upholding God's standards. The imprecatory elements in Samuel's ministry underscore the belief that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and His purposes will be accomplished, even through human agents.

Samuel's Legacy

Samuel's life and ministry left a lasting impact on the nation of Israel. His role as a prophet and judge set the stage for the anointing of David, a man after God's own heart, who would become Israel's greatest king. Samuel's imprecations, while severe, were part of God's unfolding plan to establish a kingdom that would reflect His righteousness and covenantal promises.

In summary, the imprecations in the life of Samuel illustrate the gravity of divine judgment and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. Samuel's unwavering commitment to God's will serves as a powerful example of prophetic authority and the execution of divine justice in the history of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Samuel 3:17
And he said, What is the thing that the LORD has said to you? I pray you hide it not from me: God do so to you, and more also, if you hide any thing from me of all the things that he said to you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ephesians vi. 14-17
... "Only her lips moved, but her voice," it saith, "was not heard." (1 Samuel 1:13 ... And
yet did she never once retaliate, nor utter imprecation against her, nor say ...
/.../homily xxiv ephesians vi 14-17.htm

The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing
... often find upon some solemn occasions using several forms of imprecation, as, "I ...
Saul's taking upon him to offer sacrifice before the Prophet Samuel came; and ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of profane.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... would not regard them." [1806] Nevertheless, those whom Moses and Samuel were not ...
and prosecutest it, either by words, by deeds, or imprecation against the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

Basil as Archbishop.
... facing the multitude, stood Basil, statue-like, erect as Samuel among the ... but even
confirmed his statement with a solemn imprecation, eparasamenos heauto to ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/vi basil as archbishop.htm

Textual Condition of the Lxx. , and Problems Arising Out of It.
... The imprecation, it has been acutely observed, may point to an early deterioration
of the text ... S. Driver, Notes on the Hebrew Text of the Books of Samuel, Intr ...
/.../chapter v textual condition of.htm

Acts iii. 12
... to attract "Yea, and all the prophets," says the Apostle, "from Samuel." He refrains ...
Let your oath be an imprecation upon your own child, upon your own self ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ix acts iii 12.htm

Galatians Chapter V.
... he shall bear his judgment whosoever he be;" partly when he utters the imprecation
against them ... thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee," (1 Samuel 20:4 ...
/.../galatians chapter v.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... 2 Samuel 3, 29 ... Were one, with imprecation, to invoke God to root out and destroy
popery"the order of priests, monks and nuns, together with the cloisters and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... In both is implied what may be denominated not properly an imprecation, but rather
an acknowledgment of the justice of God's procedure in punishing should the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
writings in connection with the Manich??an controversy. <. ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Resources
What are the imprecatory psalms? | GotQuestions.org

What are the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8? | GotQuestions.org

What is an invocation prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Imprecation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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