Who was Samuel in the Bible?
Samuel was one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament. He served as the last judge of Israel and the first major prophet after Moses. Samuel played a pivotal role in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the Israelite monarchy under Saul and David.
Samuel’s Background
Samuel was born to Elkanah and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:20). Hannah was barren for many years and prayed to God for a son, vowing to dedicate him to the Lord’s service. God answered her prayer and Samuel was born. After he was weaned, Hannah brought Samuel to the tabernacle at Shiloh and presented him to the priest Eli to be raised as a Nazirite (1 Samuel 1:24-28).
As a boy, Samuel ministered to the Lord under Eli (1 Samuel 2:11,18). God called Samuel in the night and revealed to him judgment coming upon Eli’s house (1 Samuel 3). Samuel told Eli what God had revealed and soon God’s word came to pass, as Eli and his sons died and the ark of God was captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4). After the ark was returned, Samuel urged Israel to put away their foreign gods, and they cried out to God for deliverance from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:3-4).
Samuel as Judge
The Bible says Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life (1 Samuel 7:15). He traveled circuit every year to Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah to judge Israel (1 Samuel 7:16). Samuel led Israel to victory against the Philistines after they heard of the Israelites gathering at Mizpah. God thundered against the Philistines and they were subdued (1 Samuel 7:7-11). Peace was maintained during Samuel’s tenure as judge (1 Samuel 7:13-14).
Transition to Monarchy
As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges, but they were corrupt (1 Samuel 8:1-3). The elders of Israel demanded a king to rule over them like other nations had. This displeased Samuel, but God told him to listen to them (1 Samuel 8:4-9). God instructed Samuel to warn them about how a king would rule over them (1 Samuel 8:10-18). The people still insisted on having a king, so God told Samuel to appoint one (1 Samuel 8:19-22).
Saul Anointed King
God led Samuel to Saul, a Benjamite, and privately anointed him king over Israel (1 Samuel 9-10:1). Samuel presented Saul to Israel as their king at Mizpah. However, not everyone accepted Saul at first (1 Samuel 10:17-27). Later, Samuel gathered the people to confirm Saul as king before the Lord at Gilgal (1 Samuel 11:14-15).
Samuel’s Farewell Speech
Nearing the end of his leadership, Samuel delivered a farewell speech. He reminded them of God’s faithfulness in raising up leaders like Moses and Aaron and bringing them into the promised land. Samuel highlighted how God sent him to be judge over Israel. He recounted how they wanted a king instead. Samuel urged the people to follow the Lord with all their heart and not turn aside. He encouraged them that God would not forsake them for the sake of His great name. Samuel promised to pray for them and teach them the good and right way. He exhorted them to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully (1 Samuel 12:1-25).
Rejection of Saul as King
Saul disobeyed God’s instructions to fully destroy the Amalekites, so God rejected him from being king (1 Samuel 15). Samuel mourned over Saul but God sent him to Bethlehem to anoint David, a son of Jesse, as the next king (1 Samuel 16:1-13). The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and he was tormented by an evil spirit. David was brought to the royal court to play music and soothe Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
Samuel Appears After Death
After Samuel died, Saul unlawful consulted a medium to raise Samuel’s spirit. God allowed the real Samuel to appear and pronounce judgment on Saul for his disobedience. Samuel reminded Saul that God has torn the kingdom from him and given it to David. Samuel foretold Saul’s coming defeat and death the next day (1 Samuel 28:3-19). Everything came to pass just as Samuel said (1 Samuel 31:1-6).
Lessons From Samuel’s Life
1. Faith – Hannah’s prayer of faith brought about Samuel’s miraculous birth. As a child, Samuel learned to trust and obey God.
2. Surrender – Hannah kept her vow and gave her son to the Lord’s service once he was weaned. Samuel surrendered Himself to God’s call.
3. Listening – As a young boy, Samuel learned to listen for God’s voice and instructions. He received revelation from the Lord about coming judgment.
4. Integrity – Samuel led Israel with integrity despite the poor example of his mentor Eli’s household. He resisted temptation and did not abuse his office.
5. Courage – Samuel had courage to proclaim God’s word, whether it was favorable or unfavorable. He spoke truth to Eli about the coming judgment.
6. Loyalty – Samuel remained loyal to both God and the people. He prayed for them and taught them God’s ways even after they rejected his leadership.
7. Obedience – Samuel obeyed when God directed him to anoint first Saul, then David. Samuel submitted to God’s timing in transitioning the leadership of Israel.
8. Continued influence – Even after his death, Samuel’s legacy continued. God brought his spirit back to prophesy truth to Saul one final time.
Samuel made a lasting impact through his faithful service to God as prophet, priest and judge over Israel. At pivotal junctures in their history, Samuel provided godly leadership to direct the people back to the Lord. Samuel’s exemplary life has much wisdom to offer believers desiring to walk in obedience before God. Though he faced difficulties, Samuel stayed true to his calling with courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to God.