Topical Encyclopedia Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, is renowned for his role as a prophet, judge, and the anointer of kings. His early life and divine calling are marked by a significant vision concerning the house of Eli, the high priest of Shiloh. This vision is a critical moment in the narrative of Israel's transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.Background Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, and was raised in the temple under the tutelage of Eli. During this time, the spiritual state of Israel was in decline, and the priesthood was marred by corruption, particularly through the actions of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The Bible describes them as "wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). Their sins included desecrating the sacrifices and engaging in immoral acts, which brought disrepute to the priesthood and provoked the Lord's anger. The Vision The Lord's call to Samuel is recorded in 1 Samuel 3. As a young boy, Samuel was ministering before the Lord under Eli. One night, the Lord called Samuel, who initially mistook the voice for Eli's. After the third call, Eli realized that the Lord was speaking to Samuel and instructed him to respond, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9). The Lord revealed to Samuel a message of judgment against the house of Eli. The vision was a confirmation of a previous prophecy delivered by a man of God, which declared that Eli's house would be judged for the iniquity of his sons and Eli's failure to restrain them. The Lord said to Samuel, "I am about to do something in Israel that will cause the ears of everyone who hears it to tingle. On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his family, from beginning to end" (1 Samuel 3:11-12). Significance Samuel's vision was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marked the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry, establishing him as a trustworthy prophet of the Lord. "And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD" (1 Samuel 3:20). Secondly, it underscored the seriousness of sin and the necessity of holiness among those who serve in the priesthood. The judgment against Eli's house served as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness and disobedience to God's commands. The fulfillment of this prophecy came to pass when the Philistines defeated Israel, the Ark of the Covenant was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas were killed in battle. Upon hearing the news, Eli fell backward from his seat, broke his neck, and died, thus ending his forty-year judgeship (1 Samuel 4:17-18). Theological Implications Samuel's vision concerning the house of Eli highlights the sovereignty of God in executing judgment and the importance of faithful leadership. It also illustrates the transition of divine authority from the corrupt priesthood to the prophetic office, setting the stage for Samuel's role in anointing the first kings of Israel. This event underscores the theme of God's holiness and justice, as well as His desire for righteous leadership among His people. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 3:1-18And 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 The Child Prophet A Private Enquiry The First Kings. Interpretation of Prophecy. Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus. Letter Liii. To Paulinus. Letter Lxix. To Oceanus. Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution. Acts iii. 1 The City of God. Index of Subjects. Resources What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.orgWho was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Did the witch of Endor really summon Samuel from the dead (1 Samuel 28:7-20)? | GotQuestions.org Samuel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Samuel: A Judge (Leader) of Israel, his Judgment Seat at Beth-El, Gilgal, Mizpeh, and Ramah Samuel: A Prophet of the Israelites Samuel: Anoints David to be King Samuel: Anoints Saul to be King of Israel Samuel: Called up by the Witch of Endor Samuel: Consecrated to God Before his Birth Samuel: Death of; the Lament for Him Samuel: His Integrity As a Judge and Ruler Samuel: His Mother's Song of Thanksgiving Samuel: His Vision Concerning the House of Eli Samuel: Israelites Repent Because of his Reproofs and Warnings Samuel: Makes his Corrupt Sons Judges in Israel Samuel: Ministered in the House of God Samuel: Organizes the Tabernacle Service Samuel: People Desire a King; he Protests Samuel: Renews the Kingdom of Saul Samuel: Reproves Saul; Foretells That his Kingdom Will be Established Samuel: Shelters David While Escaping from Saul Samuel: The Philistines Defeated Through his Intercession and Sacrifices Related Terms |
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