Samuel Who Was A Prophet And Judge
Do you know Samuel was a person who introduced kingship in Israel?
Israel used to be a country without a king. He was the first person to make Saul the first king of Israel. Since Saul later chose the path of evil, he then removed him and made David king.
Introduction
A man in the Bible who played three important roles together was named Samuel. He was a leader, a judge and a prophet. His parents’ names were Hannah and Elkanah, Hannah was not having a son but she wanted a son. She prayed to God that if He would give her a son, then she will dedicate her son in the path of God and that son will continue to serve God throughout his life. When she prayed, God gave Hannah the good news. Hannah had a son named Samuel. Samuel then spent his entire life in the service of God and brought the message of God to the people. Samuel’s role is very interesting as he plays three roles at once. He is known for his commitments and faithfulness.
Verse
So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” (1 Samuel 1:20)
Verse
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)
Early Calling of Samuel
Samuel’s mother said to God that if she had a son, she would dedicate him to the path of God. God had also given her a son and she dedicated Samuel to the path of God. Samuel read, understood and preached the teachings of the word of God from his childhood. But God chose him as a prophet and gave him the first revelation when he went with Eli to preach. There was a voice, he thought that Eli who was with him had called him, but Eli knew that God was giving revelation to Samuel and that Samuel had been chosen as a prophet. This was the occasion that made Samuel a very special person and during this time Samuel spoke directly to God.
Verse
Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” (1 Samuel 3:4)
Verse
The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)
Samuel as a Judge
Samuel was a very fair and wise man. God chose him as a prophet as well as a judge. He was chosen to serve Israel so that he could do justice among the people. Israel’s conditions were very bad and they were in spiritual disarray. When Samuel became a judge, he performed many services for the Israelites and guided them on the right path. Samuel has a very important role in the prosperity of Israel. He made Israel a united nation again.
Verse
Samuel continued as Israel’s leader all the days of his life. (1 Samuel 7:15)
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“You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.” (1 Samuel 12:4)
King Saul And Samuel
God commanded Samuel to anoint Saul as a king. Anointing was a religious tradition, in which a person who has authority chooses a person to give a position. After choosing, He used to pour oil on the head of the chosen one. Samuel anointed Saul as a king but Saul disappointed him and God. He started to believe in idols. He did a sin of idolatry. Samuel removed Saul from kingship because he associated idols with God. Samuel could not bear this at all because he was a believer of one God. He declared that Saul would no longer be king because he was a sinner who rejected God Words.
Verse
Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance? (1 Samuel 10:1)
Verse
For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:23)
Saul And King David
David has a lot of importance in history. He was a prophet of God and a king. When Saul betrayed and did not give importance to the word of God and fell into sins, Samuel removed him from the kingdom. Then God told Samuel to choose David, Jesse’s son, instead of Saul. Samuel did so, he anointed David of all Jesse’s sons and made him king.
Verse
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:13)
Verse
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” (1 Samuel 16:1)
Relationship of Samuel With God
Man is a weak creature and due to human desires, many mistakes are made by him. But Samuel spent his whole life in the path of God by controlling himself. He spent every moment of his life fulfilling God’s commandments. From his childhood to his death, he conveyed God’s message to the people, established justice among the people and saved him from sins. This characteristic of Samuel makes him great. He never allowed himself to be weakened and saved himself from worldly pleasures. He maintained loyalty to God.
Verse
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)
Verse
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. (1 Samuel 12:23)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
From Samuel’s life we learn that loyalty, love, justice, and faith are of great importance. These things distinguish a human being from other human beings. Just like Samuel, he always acted with justice. The person who disobeyed God and plotted against God was Samuel’s enemy. His friendship and enmity with people was based on God. The person who was God’s friend was Samuel’s friend and the person who was God’s enemy was Samuel’s enemy. Because of this characteristic of Samuel, he is lovingly remembered today. For people, Samuel’s character is that of a hero.
Verse
Samuel continued as Israel’s leader all the days of his life. (1 Samuel 7:15)
Verse
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. (1 Samuel 12:23)
