Samuel's Fear and God's Assurance
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, served as the last judge and a prophet during a time of significant transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. His life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. One of the notable episodes in Samuel's life is his fear and God's subsequent assurance, which is particularly evident during the anointing of David as king.

Context and Background

Samuel's fear is most prominently displayed in 1 Samuel 16, during the transition of kingship from Saul to David. After Saul's disobedience and God's rejection of him as king, Samuel mourns for Saul. The Lord then instructs Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse in Bethlehem. Samuel's fear is rooted in the potential danger of Saul discovering his mission, as Saul's jealousy and wrath could lead to Samuel's death.

Biblical Account

In 1 Samuel 16:1-2 , the Lord says to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected a king from his sons." Samuel responds with fear, "How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me."

God's assurance to Samuel is immediate and practical. The Lord provides Samuel with a plan to alleviate his fear: "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate" (1 Samuel 16:2-3). This divine instruction not only offers Samuel a legitimate reason for his visit to Bethlehem but also reassures him of God's guidance and protection.

Theological Significance

Samuel's fear and God's assurance highlight several key theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men. Despite the apparent danger, God's plan for Israel's leadership is unthwarted. Secondly, it illustrates the human aspect of God's servants. Even a prophet like Samuel experiences fear, yet God provides assurance and a way forward. This interaction between God and Samuel demonstrates God's intimate involvement in the lives of His chosen servants, offering guidance and protection in times of uncertainty.

Application for Believers

For believers, Samuel's experience serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience despite fear. It encourages trust in God's plans and His ability to provide solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges. Samuel's account reassures believers that God equips and protects those He calls to fulfill His purposes, even in the face of danger or uncertainty.

Conclusion

The episode of Samuel's fear and God's assurance is a testament to the divine-human relationship characterized by God's sovereignty, guidance, and protection. It serves as an enduring example of faith and obedience in the face of fear, encouraging believers to trust in God's perfect plan and provision.
Subtopics

Samuel

Samuel the Prophet

Samuel: A Judge (Leader) of Israel, his Judgment Seat at Beth-El, Gilgal, Mizpeh, and Ramah

Samuel: A Prophet of the Israelites

Samuel: Anoints David to be King

Samuel: Anoints Saul to be King of Israel

Samuel: Blessed of God

Samuel: Called Shemuel

Samuel: Called up by the Witch of Endor

Samuel: Chronicles of

Samuel: Consecrated to God Before his Birth

Samuel: Death of; the Lament for Him

Samuel: His Integrity As a Judge and Ruler

Samuel: His Mother's Song of Thanksgiving

Samuel: His Vision Concerning the House of Eli

Samuel: Israelites Repent Because of his Reproofs and Warnings

Samuel: Makes his Corrupt Sons Judges in Israel

Samuel: Ministered in the House of God

Samuel: Miraculous Birth of

Samuel: Organizes the Tabernacle Service

Samuel: People Desire a King; he Protests

Samuel: Renews the Kingdom of Saul

Samuel: Reproves Saul; Foretells That his Kingdom Will be Established

Samuel: Shelters David While Escaping from Saul

Samuel: Sons of

Samuel: The Philistines Defeated Through his Intercession and Sacrifices

Statecraft: Samuel

Related Terms

Estate (40 Occurrences)

Down (12601 Occurrences)

Passion (82 Occurrences)

Spirituality

Dream (82 Occurrences)

Sheol (64 Occurrences)

Dreamer (4 Occurrences)

Ebb (1 Occurrence)

Darkness (177 Occurrences)

Become (3516 Occurrences)

Beside (326 Occurrences)

Corrupt (59 Occurrences)

Civil (4 Occurrences)

Chariot (102 Occurrences)

Awake (83 Occurrences)

Shavsha (1 Occurrence)

Prison (131 Occurrences)

Existence (35 Occurrences)

Corruption (37 Occurrences)

Quiet (167 Occurrences)

Keep (4573 Occurrences)

Citizenship (4 Occurrences)

Erection (1 Occurrence)

Ecstasy (3 Occurrences)

Decline (10 Occurrences)

Mind (615 Occurrences)

Mash (2 Occurrences)

Perseverance (27 Occurrences)

Past (200 Occurrences)

Bloom (9 Occurrences)

Bond (32 Occurrences)

Boil (29 Occurrences)

Contentment (4 Occurrences)

Conviction (10 Occurrences)

Affection (30 Occurrences)

Affliction (120 Occurrences)

Surprise (27 Occurrences)

Sitting (201 Occurrences)

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)

Settle (63 Occurrences)

Damnation (11 Occurrences)

Areopagus (3 Occurrences)

Adoption (5 Occurrences)

Poverty (25 Occurrences)

Amaziah (41 Occurrences)

Scribes (85 Occurrences)

Comfort (130 Occurrences)

Shinar (8 Occurrences)

Exaltation (9 Occurrences)

Condition (38 Occurrences)

Death (1610 Occurrences)

Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)

Quietly (30 Occurrences)

Earth (10501 Occurrences)

Vigil (2 Occurrences)

Variation (1 Occurrence)

Virginity (12 Occurrences)

Establishment (4 Occurrences)

Even (10971 Occurrences)

Excitement (4 Occurrences)

Examine (48 Occurrences)

Doubt (49 Occurrences)

Disturb (12 Occurrences)

Dionysia

Decay (18 Occurrences)

Discharge (30 Occurrences)

Diminution (1 Occurrence)

Descent (22 Occurrences)

Desolation (131 Occurrences)

Depravity (4 Occurrences)

Disease (213 Occurrences)

Dwell (474 Occurrences)

Destitution (1 Occurrence)

Dissolution (1 Occurrence)

Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)

Disposition (3 Occurrences)

Division (135 Occurrences)

Malignancy (2 Occurrences)

Merit (5 Occurrences)

Samuel's Farewell Address
Top of Page
Top of Page