Topical Encyclopedia Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, is recognized as the last of the judges and the first of the major prophets after Moses. His life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Samuel's role as a judge, prophet, and priest marks a significant transition in Israel's history from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.Names and Titles of Samuel: 1. Samuel: The name "Samuel" is derived from the Hebrew "Shemuel," which is often interpreted as "heard of God" or "asked of God." This name reflects the circumstances of his birth, as his mother Hannah prayed earnestly for a child and dedicated him to the Lord. As recorded in 1 Samuel 1:20 , "So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, 'Because I have asked for him from the LORD.'" 2. Prophet: Samuel is recognized as a prophet, a role in which he served as God's spokesperson to the people of Israel. His prophetic ministry is highlighted in 1 Samuel 3:20 : "And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD." 3. Judge: As the last judge of Israel, Samuel's leadership was marked by his efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh and away from idolatry. His role as a judge is noted in 1 Samuel 7:15-16 : "Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places." 4. Priest: Although not from the traditional priestly line of Aaron, Samuel functioned in a priestly capacity, offering sacrifices and interceding for the people. His priestly duties are evident in 1 Samuel 7:9 : "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." 5. Seer: In 1 Samuel 9:9 , it is noted that "Formerly in Israel, a man who was going to inquire of God would say, 'Come, let us go to the seer,' for the prophet of today was formerly called the seer." This title underscores Samuel's role in providing divine insight and guidance. 6. Man of God: Samuel is often referred to as a "man of God," a term that signifies his close relationship with the Lord and his dedication to God's service. This title is used in 1 Samuel 9:6 , where a servant describes Samuel to Saul: "Look, in this city there is a man of God. He is highly respected, and everything he says surely comes to pass." Samuel's multifaceted roles and his unwavering commitment to God made him an extraordinary leader in Israel's history. His life and ministry set the stage for the anointing of the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David, marking the beginning of a new era in the nation's history. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 7:6,15-17And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Historical Books. Introduction. A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in the Late ... The Plenary Inspiration of Every Part of the Bible, vindicated and ... Letter cvii. To Laeta. The Poets The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Life of Mr. John Welch. The Hebrew Prophecies. Books of the Hebrew Canon. Resources Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the story of the Levite and his concubine? | GotQuestions.org Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Extraordinary Judges: During Four Hundred and Fifty Years Extraordinary Judges: Israel not Permanently or Spiritually Benefitted By Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abdon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abimelech Extraordinary Judges: Names of Deborah Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ehud Extraordinary Judges: Names of Eli Extraordinary Judges: Names of Elon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Gideon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ibzan Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jair Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jephthah Extraordinary Judges: Names of Othniel Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samson Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samuel Extraordinary Judges: Names of Shamgar Extraordinary Judges: Names of Tola Extraordinary Judges: Not Without Intermission Extraordinary Judges: Raised up to Deliver Israel Extraordinary Judges: Remarkable for Their Faith Extraordinary Judges: The office of, not Always for Life, or Hereditary Extraordinary Judges: Upheld and Strengthened by God Related Terms |
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