Topical Encyclopedia The altars of Samuel hold significant importance in the biblical narrative, reflecting the prophet's role as a leader, judge, and intermediary between God and the people of Israel. Samuel, a pivotal figure in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy, is noted for his deep commitment to God and his efforts to guide Israel in faithfulness.1. The Altar at Ramah Samuel's primary place of residence was Ramah, where he also judged Israel. It is here that he built an altar to the LORD, as recorded in 1 Samuel 7:17: "But he would always return to Ramah, because his home was there, and there he judged Israel. And there he built an altar to the LORD." This altar signifies Samuel's dedication to worship and his role as a spiritual leader. It served as a central place for offering sacrifices and seeking God's guidance. 2. The Altar at Mizpah Another significant altar associated with Samuel is the one at Mizpah. In 1 Samuel 7, Samuel called the Israelites to Mizpah for a time of national repentance and renewal. The people gathered, fasted, and confessed their sins. Samuel then offered a burnt offering to the LORD, and God responded by delivering Israel from the Philistines. This event is described in 1 Samuel 7:9-10: "Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. While Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel." 3. The Altar at Gilgal Samuel also played a crucial role at Gilgal, where he reaffirmed Saul's kingship and offered sacrifices. In 1 Samuel 11:14-15, Samuel said to the people, "Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there." So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly." This altar at Gilgal was a place of national unity and celebration, marking a significant moment in Israel's history. 4. The Altar at Bethlehem Though not explicitly mentioned as an altar built by Samuel, the sacrificial event at Bethlehem in 1 Samuel 16 is noteworthy. God instructed Samuel to anoint David as king, and Samuel went to Bethlehem under the guise of offering a sacrifice. In 1 Samuel 16:2-5, Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me." The LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate." Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?" Samuel replied, "Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me." Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. Significance The altars associated with Samuel underscore his role as a mediator between God and Israel. They were places of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. Samuel's altars were not merely physical structures but represented moments of spiritual renewal, national identity, and divine intervention. Through these altars, Samuel's leadership and prophetic ministry were instrumental in guiding Israel during a critical period of its history. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 7:17And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar to the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Child Samuel. Honour Your Youthful Bishop. Come, Let us Hear How they Contend for victory: the Guilty Ones ... Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies. Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self ... The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Kings The Same Subject Continued. Book 4 Footnotes Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
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