Topical Bible: Samuel: His Integrity As a Judge and Ruler

◄ Samuel: His Integrity As a Judge and Ruler ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, is renowned for his unwavering integrity as both a judge and a ruler. His life and leadership are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, where he is depicted as a man of deep faith and moral fortitude.

Early Life and Calling

Samuel's account begins with his miraculous birth to Hannah, a devout woman who had been barren. In gratitude for God's blessing, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord's service, and he was raised in the temple under the guidance of Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:20-28). From a young age, Samuel was called by God, marking the beginning of his prophetic ministry (1 Samuel 3:4-10). The Berean Standard Bible records, "The LORD was with Samuel as he grew, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground" (1 Samuel 3:19), highlighting his reliability and divine favor.

Judicial Role and Leadership

As a judge, Samuel was tasked with leading Israel during a tumultuous period marked by moral and spiritual decline. His role was not only judicial but also spiritual, as he called the people back to faithfulness to God. Samuel's integrity is evident in his impartiality and dedication to justice. He traveled annually to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah to judge Israel, ensuring that justice was accessible to all (1 Samuel 7:15-16).

Samuel's leadership was characterized by his commitment to God's law and his rejection of corruption. In his farewell speech, he challenged the people to testify against him if he had wronged anyone, saying, "Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and His anointed. Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to overlook something? I will restore it to you" (1 Samuel 12:3). The people affirmed his integrity, acknowledging that he had not defrauded or oppressed them.

Prophetic Ministry and Anointing of Kings

Samuel's integrity extended to his prophetic ministry, where he served as a mediator between God and the people. He was instrumental in the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. Despite his personal reservations, Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel at God's command (1 Samuel 10:1). Later, when Saul disobeyed God, Samuel delivered the difficult message of God's rejection of Saul's kingship (1 Samuel 15:26-28).

Samuel's integrity is further demonstrated in his anointing of David as Saul's successor. Guided by God, Samuel chose David, a man after God's own heart, despite his youth and humble status (1 Samuel 16:12-13). This act underscored Samuel's commitment to God's will over personal or political considerations.

Legacy of Integrity

Throughout his life, Samuel remained a steadfast servant of God, prioritizing divine commands over popular opinion or personal gain. His integrity as a judge and ruler set a standard for leadership in Israel, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, justice, and obedience to God. Samuel's life serves as a testament to the power of righteous leadership grounded in unwavering commitment to God's principles.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 12:1-5
And Samuel said to all Israel, Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 99:6
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call on his name; they called on the LORD, and he answered them.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 15:1
Then said the LORD to me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 11:32
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The King after Man's Heart
... to be the sole authority, and, in his conscious integrity, calls for a ... It is almost
as if Samuel had said, 'Look at him ... He, and only he, who sets his hope on God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

The Westminster Standards in America.
... in them as often as they should judge it expedient ... hurt others in their natural rights;
that his whole duty ... Confession, which do not impair the integrity of the ...
/.../ 98 the westminster standards.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... small evidence of his uniform piety, of his integrity, and of ... these traits in the
character of Samuel Merwin; the ... the society of the friend of his youth, the ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... Though a man of great integrity of character, and strongly ... shore, others were found
to fill his place. ... Rufus Spaulding and Samuel O. Wright, with their wives ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Mark.
... Integrity of the Gospel ... in John 8); and (2) that Mark cannot have closed his Gospel
with ... There are similar blanks at the end of Ruth, 2 Samuel, and Daniel, but ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 81 mark.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... Nor again, as perhaps some of those absurd and tiresome people may suppose, who
judge of others' feelings by ... Samuel was holy even in his swaddling-clothes ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... have been inserted, its substantial integrity is undoubted. ... The hand of Joab." 2
Samuel 15:5 ... was charged with having murdered Arsenius, and his enemies produced ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

Of Civil Government.
... to improve their piety, justice, and integrity to God ... When Samuel declared to the
people of Israel what they ... and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... within the bounds of uprightness and integrity towards both ... their simplicity, not
knowing any thing" (2 Samuel 15:11 ... those lusts that war against his soul21 (2 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... Samuel Parker was a man of deep experience, of fervent piety, of stern integrity,
and possessed ... His method of preaching was well calculated to soothe the ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm