The term "Samuel the Seer" refers to a work mentioned in the Old Testament that is not extant today. This book is believed to have been a written account of the acts and words of the prophet Samuel, one of the most significant figures in Israel's history. Samuel played a crucial role as a prophet, judge, and leader during a transitional period in Israel, bridging the time of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy.

Biblical Reference:

The book of "Samuel the Seer" is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:29: "As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel the Seer, the records of Nathan the Prophet, and the records of Gad the Seer."

This passage indicates that the acts of King David were chronicled in several sources, including the records attributed to Samuel. The mention of "Samuel the Seer" suggests that this work was considered an authoritative source for the history of David's reign, alongside the writings of Nathan and Gad, who were also prophets during David's time.

Role and Significance of Samuel:

Samuel is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative. He was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, and served under Eli the priest at Shiloh. Samuel's prophetic ministry began with a divine call as a young boy (1 Samuel 3), and he became known as a trustworthy prophet throughout Israel. He anointed both Saul and David as kings, marking the beginning of the monarchy in Israel.

Samuel's role as a seer, or prophet, was integral to his leadership. The term "seer" (Hebrew: רֹאֶה, ro'eh) emphasizes his ability to perceive and communicate divine revelations. This title underscores the spiritual insight and guidance he provided to the nation.

Historical and Theological Context:

The mention of "Samuel the Seer" in 1 Chronicles suggests that there were additional historical records and writings during the biblical period that have not been preserved. These works likely contained detailed accounts of Samuel's life, his prophetic messages, and his interactions with key figures like Saul and David.

From a theological perspective, the reference to such writings highlights the importance of prophetic testimony in the biblical tradition. Prophets like Samuel were instrumental in conveying God's will and guiding the people of Israel. The loss of the book of "Samuel the Seer" reminds us of the vast and rich history of Israel, much of which was preserved through oral tradition and later written down in the canonical Scriptures.

Conclusion:

While the book of "Samuel the Seer" is not available to us today, its mention in Scripture points to the broader context of prophetic literature and historical records that informed the biblical narrative. Samuel's legacy as a seer and leader continues to be celebrated in the biblical account, emphasizing his vital role in shaping the history and faith of Israel.1 Chronicles 29:29
Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Introduction.
... But the work of this character that is still extant is called the Testaments of
the ... Our general view of the pseudepigraphical books would not be complete ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... Christian, and belonging to the class of Adamaic books, wherein is ... reached us from
antiquity contain sentences and statements not now extant, though there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... of the Egyptian kings in three entire books, he says ... and Mordecai, whose book is
still extant, as also ... Callinus is not much older; for Archilochus refers to ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Apocalypse.
... the difference, between the two books, and comes ... Gospel is 'the spiritualized
Apocalypse,' but not because an ... stones, called " Abraxas-gems," are still extant. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 101 the apocalypse.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... views, and will drag them out from his books like snakes from ... Why he mentioned this
he does not say. ... "Thou wast called being a slave, heed it not; but even if ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Footnotes
... seizure of all that they could get of the books. ... correct manuscript copy of the foresaid
book extant, which was ... through Christ, as if we were not justified by ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Holy War,
... made, as fancy leads the writers; By books a man ... wholesome, and excellent law that
then was extant in the ... There was not a rascal, rogue, or traitorous person ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

What are the Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical books? | GotQuestions.org

How do we decide which books belong in the Bible since the Bible does not say which books belong in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How do we know when the books of the Bible were written? | GotQuestions.org

Books: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus