Topical Bible: Prophets: Samuel

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Topical Encyclopedia

Samuel is a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, serving 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, with additional references in other parts of the Old Testament. Samuel's role was crucial during a transitional period in Israel's history, as the nation moved from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy.

Birth and Early Life

Samuel's account begins with his mother, Hannah, who was barren and fervently prayed for a child at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Her prayer was answered, and she dedicated her son to the Lord's service. "For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:27). Samuel was raised under the tutelage of Eli, the high priest, and from a young age, he was called by God to be His prophet (1 Samuel 3:4-10).

Ministry and Leadership

Samuel's leadership was marked by his role as a judge, prophet, and priest. He was instrumental in guiding Israel through a time of spiritual and moral decline. As a judge, he led the people in military victories over the Philistines and called them to repentance and renewal of their covenant with God (1 Samuel 7:3-13).

Samuel's prophetic ministry was characterized by his direct communication with God and his role as a mediator between God and the people. He was known for his integrity and faithfulness, as noted in 1 Samuel 12:3-5, where he challenges the people to testify against him if he had wronged them, and they affirm his righteousness.

Anointing of Kings

One of Samuel's most significant contributions was his role in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. At the people's request for a king, Samuel was directed by God to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-17; 10:1). Despite his initial reluctance, Samuel obeyed God's command, though he warned the people of the potential consequences of having a human king (1 Samuel 8:10-18).

Later, when Saul disobeyed God's commands, Samuel was instructed to anoint David as Saul's successor (1 Samuel 16:1-13). This anointing set the stage for the Davidic dynasty, which would have lasting significance in Israel's history and in the messianic prophecies.

Legacy and Death

Samuel's influence extended beyond his lifetime. He is remembered as a man of prayer, a faithful servant of God, and a leader who sought to align the nation with God's will. His death is recorded in 1 Samuel 25:1, where it is noted that "all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him at his home in Ramah."

Samuel's legacy is also reflected in the New Testament, where he is mentioned in the book of Acts as a prophet who played a key role in the history of Israel (Acts 3:24; 13:20). His life and ministry continue to serve as an example of faithful service and obedience to God's call.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 3:20
And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

First and Second Samuel.
... The Prophets. Samuel was not only both judge and priest and prophet, but as prophet
he performed conspicuous services in several directions. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter viii first and second.htm

Samuel
... recorded. Two explanations are given, eg, of the origin of the saying,
"Is Saul also among the prophets?" 1 Samuel 10:11, xix.24. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/samuel.htm

Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth.
... But if this was one of the old prophets, Samuel, Nathan, Daniel, or any other of
those who had tabernacled in flesh, and been sent to warn his brethren, and ...
/.../sermon xxvi departed saints fellowservants.htm

The Books of Samuel and Kings.
... The second class is composed of the Prophets, and they begin with Jesus the son
of Nave, who among them ... Then comes Samuel, which we call First and Second Kings ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the books of samuel and.htm

Fragment iv. 1. Take Me, O Samuel, the Heifer Brought to Bethlehem ...
... 3. And in the second (form),"to wit, by the prophets, as by Samuel, calling
back and delivering the people from the slavery of the aliens. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/fragment iv 1 take me.htm

Whether There is a Degree of Prophecy in the Blessed?
... Objection 4: Further, it is written of Samuel (Ecclus.46:23): "He lifted up ... of the
nation." Therefore other saints can likewise be called prophets after they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there is a degree.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... 1. We have already seen (Chap.15, Nos.11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the
appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Word of God.
... In Samuel's case, there was, it seems, an actual voice, which fell on Samuel's ears.
In the case of the later prophets, we do not read that they usually heard ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xiv the word of.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... we have it plainly in the Books of the Kingdoms, how by the Holy Ghost they prophesied
themselves, and were rulers of the prophets;"and Samuel was called the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

John i. 9
... disputing with them, He mentions Moses; and the Apostle (mentions) the rest of the
prophets; for Peter declares, that all the prophets from Samuel knew Him ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily viii john i 9.htm