Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: Samuel is a significant figure in the Bible, known for his roles as a prophet, priest, and judge over Israel. His life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Samuel's account is pivotal in the transition of Israel from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.
Birth and Dedication: Samuel's birth was an answer to the fervent prayers of his mother, Hannah, who was barren. In her distress, she vowed to dedicate her child to the LORD if He granted her a son. The LORD heard her plea, and she gave birth to Samuel. True to her promise, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the LORD's service, and he was raised in the temple under the care of Eli the priest (
1 Samuel 1:20-28).
Calling and Ministry: As a young boy, Samuel received his calling from God. One night, while serving in the temple, the LORD called Samuel by name. Initially, Samuel did not recognize the voice, but Eli instructed him to respond, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening" (
1 Samuel 3:9). This marked the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry. The LORD was with Samuel, and he became known throughout Israel as a trustworthy prophet (
1 Samuel 3:19-20).
Role as Judge and Prophet: Samuel served as the last judge of Israel, leading the nation in a time of spiritual renewal and military victory over the Philistines. He called the people to repentance and to put away foreign gods, urging them to serve the LORD alone (
1 Samuel 7:3-4). Samuel's leadership was marked by his dedication to prayer and sacrifice, and he established a circuit of judging in Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah (
1 Samuel 7:15-17).
Anointing of Kings: Samuel played a crucial role in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. At the people's request for a king, Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel, following God's direction (
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 Saul's successor (
1 Samuel 16:12-13).
Legacy and Death: Samuel's influence extended beyond his lifetime. He is remembered as a man of prayer and integrity, who faithfully delivered God's messages to the people. His death was mourned by all of Israel, and he was buried in his hometown of Ramah (
1 Samuel 25:1). Samuel's legacy continued through his writings and the impact of his prophetic ministry, which laid the foundation for the future of Israel under the kingship of David.
Biblical References: ·
1 Samuel 1:20-28: Samuel's birth and dedication.
·
1 Samuel 3:1-21: Samuel's calling as a prophet.
·
1 Samuel 7:3-17: Samuel's role as judge and leader.
·
1 Samuel 10:1: Anointing of Saul as king.
·
1 Samuel 16:12-13: Anointing of David as king.
·
1 Samuel 25:1: Death of Samuel.
Samuel's life exemplifies obedience, faithfulness, and the importance of listening to God's voice. His account is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to use individuals to fulfill His divine purposes.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Samuel 2:26And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favor both with the LORD, and also with men.
Nave's Topical Index1 Samuel 3:10
And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for your servant hears.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Concerning the Birth of Samuel; and How He Foretold the Calamity ...
... 2. I will first despatch what I have to say about the prophet Samuel, and after ... He
had children by the latter; but he loved the other best, although she was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning the birth.htm
Samuel the Boy Prophet
... Eli blessed Elkanah and said, "Jehovah repay you with children from this woman for
the gift which she ... Meantime the boy Samuel grew up in the temple of Jehovah. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samuel the boy prophet.htm
The Child Samuel.
... Did his mother forget little Samuel? Other little children were born to her, but
still she remembered him, away among bearded men in that large, dark tent; and ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm
Samuel, the Child of Prayer
... belonging to him, Samuel was a preacher of the times, made a deep impression and
bore rich fruits as such preaching always does. "Then the children of Israel ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/ix samuel the child of.htm
How Like the Prophecy About Christ in the 89Th Psalm is to the ...
... [1049] For immediately something is said about the sins of his children, such as
is set down in the Book of Samuel, and is more readily taken as if of Solomon. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 how like the prophecy.htm
The Children's Bible
The Children's Bible. <. The Children's Bible Henry A. Sherman. ... THE DEVOTION
OF RUTH. SAMUEL THE BOY PROPHET. THE ARK AMONG THE PHILISTINES. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/
That the Church which Before had Been Barren Should have More ...
... the temple; and Samuel being born, was a type of Christ. Also in the first book
of Kings: "The barren hath borne seven and she that had many children has grown ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the church which.htm
How Samuel Found a Leader
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE OLD TESTAMENT HOW SAMUEL FOUND A LEADER.
There was a rich Benjamite named Kish, who lived at Gibeah. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how samuel found a leader.htm
A Private Enquiry
... Here we make a further remark: God regards not age in his speaking, but he condescends
to speak with young children. Samuel was the Lord's in his long-clothes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a private enquiry.htm
'More than Conquerors through Him'
... Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of
Ammon any more.'"2 Samuel 10:8-19. David's growing power ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/more than conquerors through him.htm
Resources
Why did Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are indigo children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about raising children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus