Topical Bible: Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel

◄ Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel ►

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Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, is renowned for his unique call to special religious duty. His life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Samuel's call is significant as it marks a transition in Israel's history from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

Early Life and Divine Calling

Samuel was the son of Elkanah and Hannah, born in response to Hannah's fervent prayers for a child. In gratitude, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord's service, fulfilling her vow by bringing him to the tabernacle at Shiloh to serve under Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:24-28). Samuel's call to special religious duty is vividly described in 1 Samuel 3. As a young boy ministering before the Lord, Samuel received a divine call during the night. The Lord called Samuel three times before Eli realized that it was the Lord speaking to the boy. Eli instructed Samuel to respond, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9). The Lord then revealed to Samuel the impending judgment on Eli's house due to the iniquity of his sons.

Role as Prophet and Judge

Samuel's call marked the beginning of his role as a prophet and judge over Israel. The Lord was with Samuel as he grew, and "He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground" (1 Samuel 3:19). Samuel became recognized throughout Israel as a prophet of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:20). His leadership was characterized by his dedication to God's word and his role in guiding Israel back to faithfulness. Samuel called the people to repentance, urging them to put away foreign gods and serve the Lord only (1 Samuel 7:3-4).

Anointing of Kings

Samuel's call to special religious duty extended to the anointing of the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. At God's direction, Samuel anointed Saul as king, marking the beginning of the monarchy (1 Samuel 10:1). However, when Saul disobeyed God's commands, Samuel was instructed to anoint David, a man after God's own heart, as the future king (1 Samuel 16:12-13). Samuel's role in these anointings underscored his position as God's chosen instrument in establishing the leadership of Israel.

Legacy and Impact

Samuel's call to special religious duty had a profound impact on the nation of Israel. As a prophet, judge, and leader, he played a crucial role in transitioning Israel from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. His life exemplified obedience to God's call and unwavering commitment to His purposes. Samuel's ministry set a standard for prophetic leadership and left an enduring legacy in the history of God's people.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 3:4-10
That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Call of Elisha
... they are not connected with some directly religious work, many ... Many long for special
talent with which to do ... For several years after the call of Elisha, Elijah ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... with the season meet for every other religious act ... distress, and the pangs of
bereavement, call for the ... urge us to those exercises of special solemn Covenanting ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Divine Calls.
... We do not understand that His call is a thing ... of life are, as is obvious, one special
way in ... of advancing him to a higher state of religious excellence, which ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ii divine calls.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... there is a call " a most imperious call " for all the ... your conduct in civil as well
as religious matters; and ... and the two first have been of special use in ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ...
... a trade was regarded as almost a religious duty - but from the ... might waken the
remembrance of the Angelic call, to great ... it is this story of special favour' or ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm

Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
... it enjoys at present: rather, there is a call on us ... former times, on account of that
increase of religious knowledge with ... too (as it was) with a special promise ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xviii stedfastness in the.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... Also fundamental to his call was the recognition of the ... to-day appeal to the moral
and religious feelings of ... within the scope of action of the special official ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... comprehends single individuals, who by a religious profession are ... faults, we feel
alarmed, and sighing call upon him. ... And not to dwell on special examples, all ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... the work which had reference to a religious use might ... before you; and does not all
this call for serious ... a letter were read to one of special business, wherein ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

A Private Enquiry
... This special energy and flash of truth is always memorable. ... The Lord will speak,
and call them by their names ... that what is wanted with our religious reading is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a private enquiry.htm