Introduction

The favor of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often signifying divine approval, blessing, and guidance. Samuel, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament, exemplifies the favor of God through his life and ministry. As a prophet, judge, and leader of Israel, Samuel's account is a testament to God's providence and the impact of divine favor on an individual's life and the nation of Israel.

Early Life and Calling

Samuel's life begins with a miraculous birth, a direct result of God's favor. His mother, Hannah, was barren and fervently prayed for a child, promising to dedicate him to the Lord's service. God answered her prayers, and Samuel was born. As a young boy, Samuel was brought to the tabernacle at Shiloh to serve under Eli the priest, fulfilling Hannah's vow. The Bible records, "And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people" (1 Samuel 2:26). This verse highlights the dual aspect of favor—both divine and human—which Samuel enjoyed from an early age.

Prophetic Ministry

Samuel's calling as a prophet is marked by a direct encounter with God. In 1 Samuel 3, the Lord calls Samuel while he is still a boy, revealing His plans for Israel. Samuel's response, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10), demonstrates his readiness to serve and his receptiveness to God's voice. The favor of God is evident as "the LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground" (1 Samuel 3:19). This divine endorsement established Samuel as a trustworthy prophet whose words carried the authority of God.

Leadership and Influence

Samuel's favor with God translated into significant influence over the nation of Israel. As the last judge of Israel, he played a crucial role in transitioning the nation from a theocracy to a monarchy. Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel, acting under God's direction. Despite Saul's eventual disobedience, Samuel remained a steadfast leader, demonstrating God's favor through his unwavering commitment to God's commands.

When God rejected Saul as king, He instructed Samuel to anoint David, a man after God's own heart. Samuel's obedience in this task further illustrates the favor of God, as he was instrumental in establishing the Davidic line, which would ultimately lead to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Intercession and Guidance

Samuel's favor with God is also evident in his role as an intercessor for the people of Israel. In 1 Samuel 7, Samuel leads the Israelites in repentance and prayer, resulting in a decisive victory over the Philistines. His leadership and intercession brought peace and stability to Israel, showcasing the power of divine favor in national affairs.

Legacy

Samuel's life and ministry left an indelible mark on Israel's history. His unwavering faithfulness to God and his role in shaping the nation's spiritual and political landscape underscore the profound impact of divine favor. Samuel's account serves as a powerful reminder of how God's favor can guide, protect, and bless those who are devoted to His purposes.1 Samuel 2:26
And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favor both with the LORD, and also with men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Child Samuel.
... and cheese, sweet cakes and pressed figs, such as she knew that Samuel loved ... And
the child-priest grew, not only in stature, but in favour with God and men ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

Further Examples from the Old Testament in Favour of Fasting.
... At the very moment when Samuel was offering the holocaust (in no way do we ... as he
was to receive, even subsequently also, no less a favour of God in the ...
/.../chapter vii further examples from the.htm

Faithlessness and Defeat
... What an answer they would have got if Samuel had been there! ... fancied that the presence
of the ark secured to impenitent men the favour of God; but it was no ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/faithlessness and defeat.htm

How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth ...
... To chastise them for their ill-improving of his favour and kindness ... Surely it is
meet to be said unto God, I have ... mine house to grow," said David, 2 Samuel 23:5 ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxvi how is christ.htm

The Child Prophet
... Samuel had heard Him before; he sees Him now, and mistake is impossible. ... for his
little life had been a growing in service and 'in favour with God and man ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the child prophet.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... As this remission restores, to the favour of God, the man who had previously ... as the
punisher of sin, but only through the desire of God thus to ... (2 Samuel 12:11 ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

Of the Error of Saul and of Ahab, by which they were Deceived ...
... were more acceptable to God than obedience to the command of Samuel, and met ... splendid
victory which had been granted to him by the favour of God to fancy ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iii of the error.htm

The Exile.
... stage of his court life, we read, "David prospered" (1 Samuel 18:5 ... or stiffened into
torpor; the one steadily growing in power and favour with God and man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

That Christ was to be Born of the Seed of David, According to the ...
... For thou hast found favour before God. ... there shall be no end." [4010] Also in the
Apocalypse: "And I saw in the right hand of God, who sate ... [4007] 2 Samuel 7:5 ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/11 that christ was to.htm

Gifts Received for the Rebellious
... His ultimate design, in favour of rebellious men, the great ... the temple of the living
God, as God hath said ... be written upon their solemn assemblies (1 Samuel 4:21 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxix gifts received for.htm

Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.org

What is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Pharaoh give Joseph so much power? | GotQuestions.org

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