Topical Bible: Samuel: Makes his Corrupt Sons Judges in Israel

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Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, served as the last judge and a prophet who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to God and a desire to guide Israel according to divine principles. However, one of the more controversial aspects of his leadership was the appointment of his sons as judges over Israel, which is recorded in 1 Samuel 8.

Background

Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, and raised in the temple under the priest Eli. As he grew, Samuel became known for his prophetic insight and integrity, leading Israel through a time of transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. His life and ministry are chronicled in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel.

Appointment of His Sons

As Samuel aged, he appointed his sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges over Israel. The Bible records this decision in 1 Samuel 8:1-3 : "When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice."

Corruption and Consequences

The appointment of Joel and Abijah was met with disapproval due to their corrupt practices. Unlike their father, they did not adhere to the righteous standards expected of leaders in Israel. Their actions included accepting bribes and perverting justice, which led to widespread dissatisfaction among the Israelites.

The elders of Israel approached Samuel with their concerns, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8:4-5 : "So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 'Look,' they said, 'you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.'"

Significance

The corruption of Samuel's sons and the subsequent demand for a king marked a significant turning point in Israel's history. The people's request for a monarchy was a rejection of the theocratic system that had been in place since the time of Moses. Despite Samuel's warnings about the potential pitfalls of having a king, God instructed him to heed the people's request, leading to the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel.

This episode highlights the challenges of leadership succession and the impact of personal integrity on public trust. Samuel's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and the consequences of deviating from God's standards.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 8:1-3
And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... he killed the priests of the Lord (1 Samuel 22:18 ... the angel that standeth in the
sun, makes a proclamation ... again, 'For true and righteous are his judgments: For ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... Faustus makes a most groundless statement when he accuses the four ... as the serpent
had deceived Eve by his subtlety, so he should also corrupt their minds by ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... which sinks deep, enriches the soil, benefits the tiller and makes the corn ... Loss,
ie, the death of his father, which, from his age, could ... [3151] 2 Samuel 1:21. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Thus every wicked man must do what corrupt nature inspired by the devil bids him. ...
2 Samuel 7:18 ... A child of God makes his estate a golden clasp to bind his heart ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The Second Commandment
... To obey is better than sacrifice.' 1 Samuel 15:22 ... only as a landscape to look upon,
but as his will and ... the sun, not only sends forth light, but makes a circuit ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
... It only makes him less guilty than those who ... of opposite graces; Joseph, Moses, Samuel,
David, Nehemiah ... God continued His promised mercies to His people through ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vii josiah a pattern.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... 'I pray thee, LET Tamar my sister come' (2 Samuel 13:6 ... in the right exercise of it
upon God, makes no stick at ... a man he chastiseth him not for his trespasses.[17 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... We read (2 Samuel 1, 17; 3, 33) that David lamented ... Here Paul makes clear the preceding
injunction ... As before stated, every man is best pleased with his own ideas ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Letter cxxii. To Rusticus.
... Samuel of old lamented for Saul [3123] because he neglected ... the humble publican was
saved by his confession. ... God makes asseveration by the mouth of the prophet ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxii to rusticus.htm

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... And He who makes us free from the law, became subject to the law; and ... [3006] 2 Samuel
6:14 ... of these was that of Jesus, who fled into Egypt soon after His birth. ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm