Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Samuel continued as Israel’s leader all the days of his life. New Living Translation Samuel continued as Israel’s judge for the rest of his life. English Standard Version Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Berean Standard Bible So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. King James Bible And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. New King James Version And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. New American Standard Bible Now Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. NASB 1995 Now Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. NASB 1977 Now Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Legacy Standard Bible Thus Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Amplified Bible Now Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Christian Standard Bible Samuel judged Israel throughout his life. Holman Christian Standard Bible Samuel judged Israel throughout his life. American Standard Version And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Contemporary English Version Samuel was a leader in Israel all his life. English Revised Version And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. GOD'S WORD® Translation Samuel judged Israel as long as he lived. Good News Translation Samuel ruled Israel as long as he lived. International Standard Version Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. NET Bible So Samuel led Israel all the days of his life. New Heart English Bible Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Webster's Bible Translation And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. World English Bible Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Samuel judges Israel all the days of his life, Young's Literal Translation And Samuel judgeth Israel all the days of his life, Smith's Literal Translation And Samuel will judge Israel all the days of his life. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life: Catholic Public Domain Version And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. New American Bible Samuel judged Israel as long as he lived. New Revised Standard Version Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shemueil judged the children of Israel all the days of his life OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Samuel Subdues the Philistines…14The cities from Ekron to Gath, which the Philistines had taken, were restored to Israel, who also delivered the surrounding territory from the hand of the Philistines. And there was peace between the Israelites and the Amorites. 15So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places.… Cross References Acts 13:20 All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. Judges 2:16-18 Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them. / Israel, however, did not listen to their judges. Instead, they prostituted themselves with other gods and bowed down to them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commandments; they did not do as their fathers had done. / Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them. 1 Samuel 12:11 So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely. 1 Samuel 3:20 So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. 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 toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice. 1 Samuel 12:1-5 Then Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to your voice in all that you have said to me, and I have set over you a king. / Now here is the king walking before you, and I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day. / Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” ... 1 Samuel 25:1 When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran. 1 Samuel 28:3 Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land. 1 Kings 2:27 So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli. 1 Chronicles 6:28 The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn and Abijah his second son. 1 Chronicles 9:22 The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. 1 Chronicles 26:28 Everything that had been dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers. 2 Chronicles 35:18 No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem. Psalm 99:6 Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered. Jeremiah 15:1 Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go! Treasury of Scripture And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. A. 1 Samuel 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. 1 Samuel 12:1 And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. 1 Samuel 25:1 And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran. Jump to Previous Continued Israel Judge Judged Judgeth Life SamuelJump to Next Continued Israel Judge Judged Judgeth Life Samuel1 Samuel 7 1. They of Kiriath Jearim bring the ark to Abinadab, and sanctify Eleazar as guard2. After twenty years, 3. the Israelites, by Samuel's means, solemnly repent at Mizpeh 7. While Samuel prays and sacrifices, 10. the Lord thwarts the Philistines by thunder at Ebenezer 13. The Philistines are subdued 15. Samuel judges Israel So Samuel judged Israel Samuel served as a judge, a role that involved leadership, governance, and spiritual guidance. Judges in Israel were divinely appointed leaders who delivered the Israelites from oppression and led them in faithfulness to God. Samuel's role as a judge was unique because he also functioned as a prophet and priest, bridging the period between the judges and the monarchy. His leadership was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and a rejection of idolatry, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:3-4, where he calls Israel to put away foreign gods. all the days of his life. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet, priest, and judge of Israel, Samuel was dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, and served under Eli the priest. He played a crucial role in transitioning Israel from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. 2. Israel The nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. During Samuel's time, Israel was often in conflict with neighboring nations and struggled with idolatry. 3. Judging In the context of ancient Israel, judging involved leadership, governance, and spiritual guidance. Judges were raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and lead them in faithfulness to the covenant. Teaching Points Faithful LeadershipSamuel's lifelong commitment to judging Israel exemplifies steadfast leadership. Believers are called to serve faithfully in whatever roles God places them, maintaining integrity and dedication. Spiritual Guidance As a judge, Samuel provided spiritual direction to Israel. Christians are encouraged to seek and offer godly counsel, rooted in Scripture, to guide themselves and others in faith. God's Sovereignty Samuel's role underscores God's sovereignty in raising leaders for His purposes. Trusting in God's plan, believers can find peace in His provision and timing. Consistency in Service Samuel judged Israel "all the days of his life," highlighting the importance of consistency in serving God. Christians are encouraged to persevere in their faith journey, regardless of life's challenges. Role of Prayer Samuel was known for his prayer life, interceding for Israel. Prayer remains a vital practice for believers, fostering a deeper relationship with God and seeking His will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 7:15?2. How did Samuel's leadership in 1 Samuel 7:15 impact Israel's spiritual direction? 3. What qualities made Samuel an effective judge over Israel in 1 Samuel 7:15? 4. How does Samuel's role as judge connect to Christ's role as our mediator? 5. How can we apply Samuel's dedication to God in our daily lives? 6. What does Samuel's lifelong service teach about commitment to God's calling? 7. How does 1 Samuel 7:15 reflect Samuel's role as a judge in Israel's history? 8. What theological significance does Samuel's lifelong judgeship hold in 1 Samuel 7:15? 9. How does 1 Samuel 7:15 influence our understanding of leadership in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 7? 11. Why does 1 Samuel 12 suggest divine favor for Israel’s kingly institution while also condemning it as sinful? 12. Is there any archaeological evidence confirming Samuel’s leadership or the transition he describes in 1 Samuel 12? 13. Who were the Old Testament prophets in the Bible? 14. Who is the author of the Book of Judges? What Does 1 Samuel 7:15 Mean So“So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.” (1 Samuel 7:15) The little word “so” links everything that has just happened in chapter 7 to the lifelong ministry that follows. Israel had repented at Mizpah, confessed sin, and relied on the LORD rather than on the ark as a talisman (1 Samuel 7:2–11). God answered with thunder, routed the Philistines, and gave peace (compare Joshua 24:14; Psalm 34:17). The memorial stone Ebenezer—“Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12)—stands as the hinge: because God helped, “so” Samuel continued to lead. In other words, his judging flows directly from the Lord’s prior saving work, much the way Moses’ judging followed God’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 18:13–26). Samuel The sentence centers on a man whose very name means “heard of God” (see 1 Samuel 1:20). From dedication in Hannah’s vow (1 Samuel 1:11, 28) to prophetic confirmation (“The LORD was with him,” 1 Samuel 3:19), Samuel embodies a life set apart. His roles overlap: • Prophet—he speaks God’s word faithfully (Acts 3:24; 1 Samuel 3:20). • Priest—he offers sacrifice at Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:9; cf. 1 Samuel 2:18). • Judge—he governs the nation (1 Samuel 7:16). Like later leaders who combine offices—David as king-prophet (2 Samuel 23:2) or the Messiah who perfectly unites prophet, priest, and king (Hebrews 1:1–3)—Samuel prefigures steady, God-given leadership. Judged Israel “Judged” here is more than settling legal disputes. In the book of Judges the term includes delivering from enemies (Judges 2:16-18), teaching God’s law (Deuteronomy 17:9-11), and guiding the people in worship (1 Samuel 7:3-4). Samuel’s circuit—Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah, then back to Ramah (1 Samuel 7:16-17)—shows a shepherd who brings justice to the people rather than dragging them to a distant court. Key facets: • Spiritual direction: calling Israel to single-hearted devotion (1 Samuel 7:3). • Civil arbitration: deciding cases, much as Deborah “judged Israel under the palm tree” (Judges 4:4-5). • Military leadership: praying while God fights (1 Samuel 7:10). This multifaceted judging anticipates the ultimate rule of Christ, in whom “righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14). All the days The phrase highlights constancy. From youth to old age Samuel never abdicates his calling. The same perseverance later marks Paul’s “finishing the race” (2 Timothy 4:7) and the believers urged to “be faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10). It reminds us that: • Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint (Galatians 6:9). • Faithfulness today slides directly into faithfulness tomorrow—no spiritual retirement (Psalm 92:14). • God values steady obedience over sporadic bursts of zeal (1 Corinthians 15:58). Of his life The emphasis falls on lifespan: Samuel’s entire earthly course is shaped by covenant loyalty. Even after death his influence lingers—Israel mourns him deeply (1 Samuel 25:1), and his memory carries weight centuries later (Jeremiah 15:1). Observing a life’s arc prompts reflection similar to Moses’ prayer, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). For Samuel, numbering days meant investing each of them in God’s people and God’s glory (Philippians 1:20-21). summary The single sentence of 1 Samuel 7:15 packages an entire career: because the LORD rescued, Samuel responded; the prophet-priest-judge served Israel without interruption; and his unwavering commitment stretched from cradle to grave. His story urges us to anchor our service in God’s prior grace, to embrace every role He assigns, and to persevere in wholehearted obedience for all the days He grants. (15) And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.--The influence and supreme power of Samuel only ended with his life. For a very long period--probably for at least twenty years after the decisive battle of Eben-ezer--Samuel, as "judge," exercised the chief authority in Israel. The time at length arrived when, convinced by clear Divine monition that it was best for the people that a king should rule over them, Samuel the seer, then advanced in years, voluntarily laid down his high office in favour of the new king, Saul; but his influence remained, and his authority, whenever he chose to exercise it, seems to have continued undiminished, and on momentous occasions (see, for instance, 1Samuel 15:33) we find king and nation submitting to his counsel and expressed will.Verses 15, 16. - And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. As long as Samuel lived there was no clear]imitation of his powers as shophet compared with those of Saul as king. In putting Agag to death (1 Samuel 15:33) he even claimed a higher authority, and though he voluntarily left as a rule all civil and military matters to the king, yet he never actually resigned the supreme control, and on fitting occasions even exercised it. It was, however, practically within narrow limits that he personally exercised his functions as judge in settling the causes of the people; for Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh were all situated in the tribe of Benjamin. Both Bethel and Mizpah were holy spots, and so also, probably, was Gilgal; and therefore we may conclude that it was the famous sanctuary of that name (see 1 Samuel 11:14), and not the Gilgal mentioned, in 2 Kings 2:1; 2 Kings 4:38. For this latter, situated to the southwest of Shiloh, near the road to Jerusalem, had no religious importance, and would not, therefore, attract so many people to it as one that was frequented for sacrifice. Probably, too, it was upon the occasion of religious solemnities that Samuel visited these places, and heard the people's suits.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Samuelשְׁמוּאֵל֙ (šə·mū·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel judged וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֤ט (way·yiš·pōṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc all כֹּ֖ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the days יְמֵ֥י (yə·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3117: A day of his life. חַיָּֽיו׃ (ḥay·yāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life Links 1 Samuel 7:15 NIV1 Samuel 7:15 NLT 1 Samuel 7:15 ESV 1 Samuel 7:15 NASB 1 Samuel 7:15 KJV 1 Samuel 7:15 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 7:15 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 7:15 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 7:15 French Bible 1 Samuel 7:15 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 7:15 Samuel judged Israel all the days (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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