Topical Bible: Children: Early Piety of Samuel

◄ Children: Early Piety of Samuel ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The early piety of Samuel is a profound example of youthful devotion and obedience to God, as recorded in the Old Testament. Samuel, whose name means "heard by God," was the son of Elkanah and Hannah. His account is primarily found in the first book of Samuel, where his life and ministry are detailed.

Birth and Dedication:

Samuel's birth was a direct answer to prayer. His mother, Hannah, was barren and fervently prayed for a child, promising to dedicate him to the Lord's service if her prayer was answered. The Lord heard her plea, and she bore a son, naming him Samuel. True to her vow, Hannah brought Samuel to the house of the Lord at Shiloh after he was weaned, dedicating him to the Lord's service under the priest Eli. This act of dedication is a testament to the faith and commitment of his parents, setting the stage for Samuel's early piety.

Service in the Tabernacle:

From a young age, Samuel served in the tabernacle at Shiloh, ministering before the Lord under Eli's guidance. The Bible notes, "Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli" (1 Samuel 3:1). Despite the corruption of Eli's own sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were priests, Samuel remained faithful and obedient, distinguishing himself by his dedication and purity.

Divine Calling:

Samuel's early piety is further highlighted by his response to God's call. One night, as he lay in the temple where the ark of God was, the Lord called to Samuel. Initially mistaking the voice for Eli's, Samuel ran to him, saying, "Here I am, for you called me" (1 Samuel 3:5). After the third call, Eli realized it was the Lord speaking and instructed Samuel to respond, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9). Samuel's willingness to listen and respond to God's voice is a significant aspect of his early piety.

Prophetic Ministry:

The Lord revealed His word to Samuel, marking the beginning of his prophetic ministry. "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's faithfulness in delivering God's messages, even when they were difficult, demonstrated his commitment to truth and righteousness from a young age.

Impact and Legacy:

Samuel's early piety had a lasting impact on Israel. As a prophet, priest, and judge, he played a crucial role in guiding the nation during a tumultuous period. His life of devotion and service began in childhood, setting an example for future generations. Samuel's account underscores the importance of nurturing faith and obedience in children, as well as the potential for God to use them mightily for His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 2:18
But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 3:1
And the child Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Song 14. Examples of Early Piety.
... Examples of early piety. ... 4 Children a sweet hosanna sung, And blest their Saviour's
name; They gave ... 5 Samuel the child was wean'd, and brought To wait upon the ...
/.../watts/divine songs for children/song 14 examples of early.htm

The Benefits of an Early Piety
... are wiser in their generation than the children of light ... But, Secondly, as an early
piety redounds most to the honor ... the Lord from his youth: of Samuel, that he ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the benefits of an early.htm

Song 14. Examples of Early Piety.
... Examples of early piety. 8,6,8,6. ... And came at her command. Children a sweet hasanna
sung,. ... Samuel the child was wean'd and brought. To wait upon the Lord: ...
/.../watts/divine and moral songs/song 14 examples of early.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... wickedness of Eli's sons the child Samuel ministered before ... Under our present plans
children will grow up with ... cannot talk to you about early piety; but there ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

Home-Education.
... To encourage Christian parents to give their children a good ... history, of conversion
and eminent piety in the ... as the direct fruit of early parental instruction. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvi home-education.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... Samuel, that lovely example of early piety, and the judge and deliverer of Israel,
was given in answer to the prayer of his mother. When the children of Israel ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

The Children's Patrimony.
... heritage of true piety,"of the true piety of the ... galley, to amass a large fortune
for their children. ... They rise early and retire late, deny themselves even ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxiv the childrens patrimony.htm

Home Dedication.
... deed,"fresh from the pure fount of maternal piety! ... rising murmurs; for "Abraham rose
up early in the ... is another instance of the offering of children unto the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter x home dedication.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... may we expect to see them early disciples of ... importance, are we willing that our
children should receive a ... much confidence in the intelligence and piety of the ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... worker, therefore the hearts of the children of men are ... thee from becoming a present
practiser of religious piety! ... youth (Ecclesiastes 12:12), and early in the ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm