Topical Bible: Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Samuel

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Samuel stands as one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament, serving as a prophet, priest, and judge over Israel. His life and ministry are primarily recorded in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, which detail his pivotal role in the transition of Israel from a confederation of tribes to a monarchy.

Birth and Early Life

Samuel's account begins with his miraculous birth to Hannah, a devout woman who was initially barren. In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord at the tabernacle in Shiloh, vowing that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord's service all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:11). God answered her prayer, and she named her son Samuel, meaning "heard by God." True to her vow, Hannah brought Samuel to the tabernacle to serve under Eli the priest once he was weaned (1 Samuel 1:27-28).

Calling and Ministry

Samuel's calling as a prophet is marked by a divine encounter during his youth. While serving in the tabernacle, the Lord called Samuel by name, and after some initial confusion, Samuel responded, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). This marked the beginning of his prophetic ministry, and "the Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground" (1 Samuel 3:19).

As a prophet, Samuel played a crucial role in guiding Israel through a tumultuous period. He was instrumental in leading the people back to the worship of Yahweh, urging them to put away foreign gods and serve the Lord only (1 Samuel 7:3). His leadership brought about a spiritual renewal and a period of peace and victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:13).

Role as Judge and Transition to Monarchy

Samuel also served as a judge over Israel, traveling annually to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah to administer justice (1 Samuel 7:16). However, as he grew older, the people of Israel demanded a king to lead them, desiring to be like other nations (1 Samuel 8:5). Though displeased, Samuel sought the Lord's guidance, and God instructed him to heed the people's request, while warning them of the consequences of having a king (1 Samuel 8:7-9).

Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel, following God's direction (1 Samuel 10:1). Despite Saul's initial success, his disobedience to God's commands led to his rejection as king. Samuel, grieving over Saul's failure, was then sent by God to anoint David, the shepherd boy from Bethlehem, as Saul's successor (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

Legacy and Death

Samuel's influence extended beyond his lifetime. He is remembered as a man of prayer and integrity, whose life was dedicated to serving God and His people. His death was mourned by all of Israel, and he was buried in his hometown of Ramah (1 Samuel 25:1).

Samuel's legacy is one of faithfulness and obedience to God, serving as a bridge between the era of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. His life exemplifies the importance of listening to God's voice and leading His people with wisdom and humility.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 3:1
And the child Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

"The Great Awakening. "
... Great Awakening she had still outstanding L39,000 ... had improved the quality of religion
in every ... and broadened the conception of religious liberty throughout ...
/.../chapter ix the great awakening.htm

The Old Testament and Modern Criticism
... are, one must own, few outstanding scholars at ... priests, the priestly type of religion
finding literary ... reflecting different stages in the religious and social ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iii the old testament.htm

Chapter xxii
... patriarchal religion as well as of all Israelitish religion. ... the most exalted form
of religious worship was ... to Abraham should be an outstanding one embracing ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxii.htm

Introduction
... must have a date for an outstanding event in ... to the whole administration of religion
established by ... it breathed into that movement a religious quality which in ...
/.../chapter i introduction.htm

Chapter xlix
... that no judgment is pronounced on religious conditions in ... to a totemistic state of
religion through which ... 9. A fuller description of this outstanding trait of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Chapter i
... to indicate the Trinity or the three persons in the ... the name is taken from the
outstanding part, a ... that the Genesis account presents a "religious advance to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter i.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... past history, their rituals of theology and religious worship, their ... perhaps Ahimaaz,
son of Zadok (2 Samuel 15:27 ... had had its effect on their religion as well ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm