Samuel: Sons of
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The sons of Samuel, the prophet and last judge of Israel, are mentioned in the Old Testament as part of the narrative that transitions Israel from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history, was dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah and served under Eli the priest at Shiloh. As he grew, Samuel became a respected prophet and judge over Israel.

Names and Roles

Samuel had two sons, Joel and Abijah. Their names are recorded in 1 Samuel 8:1-2: "When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second son was Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba."

Character and Conduct

Despite their father's faithfulness and integrity, Joel and Abijah did not follow in Samuel's righteous footsteps. Their conduct as judges was marked by corruption and injustice. 1 Samuel 8:3 states, "But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice." This behavior starkly contrasts with the character of their father, who was known for his dedication to God and his just leadership.

Impact on Israel

The misconduct of Samuel's sons had significant implications for the nation of Israel. Their corruption was a catalyst for the Israelites' demand for a king. The elders of Israel approached Samuel with their concerns, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8:4-5: "So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 'Look,' they said, 'you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.'" This request marked a turning point in Israel's history, leading to the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel.

Theological Reflections

The narrative of Samuel's sons serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of godly leadership and the consequences of moral failure. Despite Samuel's personal faithfulness, his sons' actions underscore the challenges of passing on spiritual integrity to the next generation. Their account illustrates the broader biblical theme of the need for righteous leadership and the dangers of corruption and injustice.

In the context of Israel's history, the failure of Samuel's sons highlights the people's desire for a human king, ultimately pointing to the need for a perfect and righteous ruler, fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
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1 Chronicles 6:28,33
And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.
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Library

Concerning the Birth of Samuel; and How He Foretold the Calamity ...
... And now Eli had a far more sure expectation of the perdition of his sons; but the
glory of Samuel increased more and more, it being found by experience that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning the birth.htm

How Samuel when He was So Infirm with Old Age that He could not ...
... CHAPTER 3. How Samuel When He Was So Infirm With Old Age That He Could Not Take
Care Of The Public Affairs Intrusted Them To His Sons; And How Upon The Evil ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how samuel when.htm

Samuel --The Child of the Temple.
... Then the Lord told Samuel that the sons of Eli had become very wicked, and their
father had not kept them from the evil, and therefore He could not accept ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvii samuelthe child of.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... Israel, to help him in the care of the people. But Samuel's sons did not
walk in his ways. They did not try always to do justly. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

Samuel the Boy Prophet
... the gift which she has given to Jehovah." Then they returned to their home; and
Hannah had three more sons and two daughters. Meantime the boy Samuel grew up ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samuel the boy prophet.htm

Death of Eli and his Sons.
... hide any thing from me of all that He said unto thee." So Samuel told Eli ... told him
the Israelites had fled before the Philistines, that his two sons Hophni and ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/death of eli and his.htm

How, Upon Saul's Transgression of the Prophet's Commands, Samuel ...
... and fortitude, and obedience, for in them consists the comeliness of the soul."
When God had said this, Samuel bade Jesse to show him all his sons. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how upon sauls.htm

Eli and Samuel.
... Then God told Samuel what terrible things should befall Eli and his sons through
their wickedness. [Illustration: SAMUEL COMING TO ELI.]. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/eli and samuel.htm

At that Time Samuel Died. ...
... a spirit of error [307] had filled, he called up and consulted Samuel. Saul was
informed by him that on the following day he with his sons, being overcome by ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxxvi at that time.htm

The Shepherd Boy of Bethlehem.
... "Neither hath the Lord chosen this.". Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before
Samuel, but Samuel said: "The Lord hath not chosen these.". ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xix the shepherd boy.htm

Resources
Who was Samuel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Hannah and Samuel? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of 1 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Samuel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Samuel

Samuel the Prophet

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: Blessed of God

Samuel: Called Shemuel

Samuel: Called up by the Witch of Endor

Samuel: Chronicles of

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: Miraculous Birth of

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: Sons of

Samuel: The Philistines Defeated Through his Intercession and Sacrifices

Statecraft: Samuel

Related Terms

Samuel's (6 Occurrences)

Shammah (8 Occurrences)

Ziklag (13 Occurrences)

Seer (21 Occurrences)

Ziba (13 Occurrences)

Keilah (16 Occurrences)

Servant's (29 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Stronghold (68 Occurrences)

Arrows (59 Occurrences)

Zobah (15 Occurrences)

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)

Valour (66 Occurrences)

Seemeth (36 Occurrences)

Asahel (17 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Seeketh (60 Occurrences)

Sorrowing (33 Occurrences)

Valiant (66 Occurrences)

Shemesh (24 Occurrences)

Spear (55 Occurrences)

Shield (65 Occurrences)

Zuph (3 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

Kish (18 Occurrences)

Victory (71 Occurrences)

Keepeth (60 Occurrences)

Stature (22 Occurrences)

Suckling (19 Occurrences)

Son-in-law (14 Occurrences)

Severely (48 Occurrences)

Kenites (8 Occurrences)

As'ahel (17 Occurrences)

Seeks (48 Occurrences)

Sweareth (34 Occurrences)

Spared (45 Occurrences)

Starting (34 Occurrences)

Kine (24 Occurrences)

Youths (28 Occurrences)

Kissed (26 Occurrences)

Syrians (63 Occurrences)

Shimei (43 Occurrences)

Arrow (34 Occurrences)

Skirt (16 Occurrences)

Smiting (76 Occurrences)

Station (78 Occurrences)

Vowed (34 Occurrences)

Sovereign (209 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Saul's (79 Occurrences)

Scattered (122 Occurrences)

Shamed (91 Occurrences)

Saveth (36 Occurrences)

Surrender (18 Occurrences)

Stepped (16 Occurrences)

Sacrificing (39 Occurrences)

Array (63 Occurrences)

Stronger (59 Occurrences)

Safety (72 Occurrences)

Arts (48 Occurrences)

Voices (76 Occurrences)

Seems (99 Occurrences)

Setteth (116 Occurrences)

Vashni (1 Occurrence)

Kiriathjearim

Ascend (86 Occurrences)

Shiloh (34 Occurrences)

Sling (11 Occurrences)

Kiss (39 Occurrences)

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Spoil (140 Occurrences)

Subdued (41 Occurrences)

Standeth (111 Occurrences)

Soldiers (83 Occurrences)

Street (54 Occurrences)

Articles (78 Occurrences)

Slept (74 Occurrences)

Success (29 Occurrences)

Samuel: Shelters David While Escaping from Saul
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