The Prophet Samuel
At a time when the word of God was rare, a man became a prophet and judge in Israel and participated in bringing back the presence of God. In the Old Testament, we discover the story of Samuel, dedicated to the service of God even before his birth. His life strongly marked the history of the Jews because it was during his time that the first two kings of Israel were instituted: King Saul and King David. Discover the story of this famous prophet of God in the book 1 Samuel.
Who is the prophet, Samuel?
Son of Hannah and Elkanah
Samuel's very birth is a miracle. Indeed, his mother Hannah, although well-loved by her husband Elkanah, could not bear children because she was sterile, and she suffered a lot from this. One day, she prayed and “And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” (1 Samuel 1:11). The Lord listened, and she had a son whom she called Samuel, which means “God has given”.
The prophet Samuel and King Saul
The prophet Samuel held the office of judge in Israel (1 Samuel 7:15) until the people asked for a king. Saul was therefore chosen as king and received the royal anointing: “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). This king, who was not in the perfect will of God, brought the wrath of God many times and ended up losing his place as king to David, the shepherd.
The Prophet Samuel and David
When the time came for the prophet Samuel to designate the new king of Israel, he went to where God sent him, to the family of Jesse, and God told him that it was little David, who had not been warned of the coming of the prophet, who would be the future king of Israel. “So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’ 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 16:12- 13)
Important Episodes from the Life of The Prophet Samuel
Speak, your servant listens
A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.
9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 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 3:8- 10)
He uttered no word without impact
“The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.
20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 3:19- 20)
Saul becomes king
“So all the people went to Gilgal and made Saul king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration.” (1 Samuel 11:15)
The crown is taken from Saul
“As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore. Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you." (1 Samuel 15:27- 28)
Obedience is better than sacrifices
“But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
God looks at the heart
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
“So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 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 16:12- 13)
