Samuel, Hebrew Shmuʾel, (flourished 11th century bc, Israel), religious hero in the history of Israel, represented in the Old Testament in every role of leadership open to a Jewish man of his day—seer, priest, judge, prophet, and military leader. His greatest distinction was his role in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.
What is the prophet Samuel known for?
The Lord called Samuel at a young age to become a prophet (1 Sam. 3). After Eli's death, Samuel became the great prophet and judge of Israel and restored law, order, and regular religious worship in the land (1 Sam. 4:15–18; 7:3–17).
Who was Samuel to God?
As a child, Samuel served at the tabernacle, ministering to God with the priest Eli. He was a faithful young servant who had God's favor. One night God spoke to Samuel while he was sleeping, and the boy mistook the Lord's voice for Eli's.
Why was Samuel the last judge of Israel?
As Samuel grew under the tutelage of the priest Eli, he also grew in his wisdom and became a Prophet. What is this? After a Philistine victory over the Israelites, Samuel became the last of the judges, following the death of Joshua, and rallied the nation against the Philistines at Mizpah.
Why is God called Samuel?
Samuel was a trusted prophet of strong faith who always sought out what God's calling for him was. Because of this, the Lord was able to use Samuel to anoint the future king of Israel. This king was David, son of Jesse, who is in the direct lineage of Jesus.
What happened to Samuel in the Bible?
Bible Gateway 1 Samuel 25 :: NIV. Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David moved down into the Desert of Maon. A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy.
Why did Samuel never cut his hair?
He was to be a Nazirite from birth. In ancient Israel, those wanting to be especially dedicated to God for a time could take a Nazirite vow which included abstaining from wine and spirits, not cutting hair or shaving, and other requirements.
Why was Samuel important in the Bible?
Samuel is a figure who, in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible, plays a key role in the transition from the period of the biblical judges to the institution of a kingdom under Saul, and again in the transition from Saul to David. He is venerated as a prophet by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
How was Samuel faithful to God?
He maintained a direct connection with God, stalwartly faithful to all that God instructed. While not everyone is a prophet, speaking directly with God, the principle is the same for all. A true Christian leader will lead God's people in congruence with God's will.
What was God's plan for Samuel?
God leads Samuel to the town of Bethlehem to choose a new king from Jesse's family. Each of Jesse's older sons are impressive, but God instructs Samuel to judge people not by their external appearances but, rather, by their hearts.
How did Samuel obey God?
How did Samuel obey God? (He went to see Jesse. He waited for God to tell him who to make king.) Samuel obeyed God when he showed that David would be the new king. Samuel showed that he loved God by obeying Him.
Who is Samael in Bible?
In the Exodus Rabbah, Samael is depicted as the accuser in the heavenly court and tempting to sin, while Michael defends Israel's actions. Here, Samael is identified with Satan. While Satan describes his function as an "accuser," Samael is considered to be his proper name.
Who was Samuel in the Bible?
Samuel was a Levite from the descendants of Kohath. He was one of the few biblical characters to have a detailed birth narrative. His story in the Bible began with a barren woman, Hannah, praying to God for a child. The Bible says "the Lord remembered her," and she became pregnant.
What is Samuel known for?
Samuel. Known for: As a prophet and judge over Israel, Samuel was instrumental in the establishment of Israel's monarchy. God chose him to anoint and counsel Israel’s kings. Bible References: Samuel is mentioned in 1 Samuel 1-28; Psalm 99:6; Jeremiah 15:1; Acts 3:24, 13:20; and Hebrews 11:32. Father: Elkanah.
Why did Samuel serve in the Temple?
He served in several important positions during his life, earning God's favor because he knew how to obey. Samuel was a contemporary of King Saul and King David. His parents Elkanah and Hannah dedicated him to the Lord, giving the child to the priest Eli to be raised in the temple.
What did the apparition tell Saul?
In 1 Samuel 28:16-19, that apparition told Saul he would lose the battle, along with his life and the lives of his two sons. In all of the Old Testament, few people were as obedient to God as Samuel. He was honored as an uncompromising servant in the " Hall of Faith " in Hebrews 11.
What happened to Samuel when he was sleeping?
One night God spoke to Samuel while he was sleeping, and the boy mistook the Lord's voice for Eli's. This happened three times until the old priest realized God was speaking to Samuel. Samuel grew in wisdom and became a prophet.
What are the strengths of Samuel?
Character Strengths of Samuel in the Bible. Samuel was an honest and fair judge, dispensing God's law impartially. As a prophet, he exhorted Israel to turn from idolatry and serve God alone. Despite his personal misgivings, he led Israel from the system of judges to its first monarchy.
Where did Hannah present Samuel to God?
When the boy was weaned, Hannah presented him to God at Shiloh, in the care of Eli the high priest . As a child, Samuel served at the tabernacle, ministering to God with the priest Eli. He was a faithful young servant who had God's favor.
Where was Samuel born?
Samuel was born in a small town called Ramah. After serving Eli for many years Samuel went back to the town of his birth to live, where he died a very old man.
What did Samuel say to Jesse?
Samuel told Jesse, “Send someone to get him, for we won’t do anything else until he arrives here.” 12 So he sent and brought him. He had a dark, healthy complexion, with beautiful eyes, and he was handsome. The LORD said, “Get up and anoint him, for this is the one.”.
Who said "Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice"?
Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.”. Samuel consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab, and said, “Surely he’s the LORD’s anointed.”. 7 The LORD told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or his height, for I’ve rejected him.
Who brought Abinadab before Samuel?
8 Then Jesse summoned Abinadab and brought him before Samuel, and he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse brought Shammah, and he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” 10 Jesse brought seven of his sons before Samuel, and Samuel told Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.”
Who was the 15th Judge of Israel?
Samuel the 15th Judge of Israel and also a Prophet. 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Anointed the first two kings of Israel under God’s orders. This time he is asked to anoint David to be king, 1 Samuel 16:13. David was still a youth when Samuel anointed Da vid to be king in the town of Bethlehem. The Hebrew name of Samuel means: Heard of God.
What did the Lord say to Jesse?
The LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I’ve come to offer a sacrifice to the LORD.’ 3 You are to invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I’ll show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for me the one I tell you.”
Who is Samuel in the Bible?
Samuel is a figure who, in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible, plays a key role in the transition from the period of the biblical judges to the institution of a kingdom under Saul, and again in the transition from Saul to David. He is venerated as a prophet by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Why was Samuel important to the Israelites?
Birch, Samuel was a key figure in keeping the Israelites' religious heritage and identity alive during Israel's defeat and occupation by the Philistines. " [I]t may have been possible and necessary for Samuel to exercise authority in roles that would normally not converge in a single individual (priest, prophet, judge)."
How many wives did Elkanah have?
According to 1 Samuel 1:1–28, Elkanah had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children; Hannah did not. Nonetheless, Elkanah favored Hannah. Jealous, Penninah reproached Hannah for her lack of children, causing Hannah much heartache. The relationship of Penninah and Hannah recalls that between Hagar and Sarah. Elkanah was a devout man and would periodically take his family on pilgrimage to the holy site of Shiloh.
Where did Elkanah live?
Elkanah lived at Ramathaim in the district of Zuph. His genealogy is also found in a pedigree of the Kohathites (1 Chronicles 6:3–15) and in that of Heman the Ezrahite, apparently his grandson (1 Chronicles 6:18–33). According to the genealogical tables in Chronicles, Elkanah was a Levite – a fact not mentioned in the books of Samuel.
What does the Book of Samuel describe?
The Book (s) of Samuel variously describe Samuel as having carried out sacrifices at sanctuaries, and having constructed and sanctified altars. According to the Priestly Code / Deuteronomic Code only Aaronic priests/ Levites (depending on the underling tradition) were permitted to perform these actions, and simply being a nazarite or prophet was insufficient. The books of Samuel and Kings offer numerous examples where this rule is not followed by kings and prophets, but some critical scholars look elsewhere seeking a harmonization of the issues. In the Book of Chronicles, Samuel is described as a Levite, rectifying this situation; however critical scholarship widely sees the Book of Chronicles as an attempt to redact the Book (s) of Samuel and of Kings to conform to later religious sensibilities. Since many of the Biblical law codes themselves are thought to postdate the Book (s) of Samuel (according to the Documentary Hypothesis ), this would suggest Chronicles is making its claim based on religious motivations. The Levitical genealogy of 1 Chronicles 4 is not historical, according to most modern scholarship.
Why did Saul have the Witch of Endor conjure Samuel's ghost?
Some time after his death, Saul had the Witch of Endor conjure Samuel's ghost in order to predict the result of an upcoming battle (1 Samuel 28:3-24). Samuel was angered by his recalling, and told Saul that the Lord had left him.
How old was Samuel when he heard the voice calling his name?
One night, Samuel heard a voice calling his name. According to the first-century Jewish historian Josephus, Samuel was about 11 years old. Samuel initially assumed it was coming from Eli and went to Eli to ask what he wanted. Eli, however, sent Samuel back to sleep. After this happened three times, Eli realised that the voice was the Lord's, and instructed Samuel on how to answer:
Who was Samuel in the Old Testament?
Samuel, Hebrew Shmuʾel, ( flourished 11th century bc, Israel ), religious hero in the history of Israel, represented in the Old Testament in every role of leadership open to a Jewish man of his day—seer, priest, judge, prophet, and military leader. His greatest distinction was his role in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.
Why was Samuel born?
Samuel, the son of Elkanah (of Ephraim) and Hannah, was born in answer to the prayer of his previously childless mother. In gratitude she dedicated him to the service of the chief sanctuary of Shiloh, in the charge of the priest Eli. As a boy Samuel received a divine oracle in which the fall of the house of Eli was predicted (1 Samuel 1–3).
What are the two major divergences in the first book of Samuel?
The two major divergences in The First Book of Samuel lie in those passages that critics call the “ pro-monarchic” source (1 Samuel 9:1–10:16) and those passages called the “ antimonarchic” source (1 Samuel 8 and 10:17–27). In the pro-monarchic account of the rise of Saul, Samuel is an obscure village seer (with distinct evidence of occult practices). The institution of the monarchy and the election of the king occur according to the will of Yahweh as revealed to Samuel. The story of the anointing, however, has no story of accession to complete it; instead, there is the account of Saul’s victory over the Ammonites. Examination discloses that this is still another account of Saul’s rise without an anointing story; Saul is chosen king as the judges—the leaders of the Israelites during their conquest of the land of Canaan—were chosen, by a charismatic display of military courage and leadership. Samuel was very probably intruded into this narrative.
What is Samuel motivated by in the second story?
In the second story (chapter 15), Samuel is motivated by the failure of Saul to observe the ethic of the holy war. This story does not exhibit the same improbability. It seems that there was a firm tradition of a split between the two men but an inexact memory of the details.
What did Samuel inspire Israel to do?
When he became an adult, Samuel inspired Israel to a great victory over the Philistines at Ebenezer (chapter 7). The proposal of the elders of Israel to install a king was indignantly rejected by Samuel as infidelity to Yahweh, the God of Israel (chapter 8).
What is the story of the anointing of the King?
The story of the anointing, however, has no story of accession to complete it; instead, there is the account of Saul’s victory over the Ammonites.
Why is the story of Samuel's birth and vocation legendary?
The story of the birth and vocation of Samuel at the beginning of 1 Samuel is regarded by critics as legendary because of a number of obviously unhistorical features. This narrative is the major piece in establishing the role of Samuel as a prophet, but it is questionable whether the “prophet” as a distinct religious figure had emerged among the Israelites at this early date. The story is also at the root of the priestly role imposed on Samuel at a later date in 1 Chronicles 6; but this is an effort to explain in terms of the later priesthood the sacred functions performed by Samuel.
Where is Samuel from?
Samuel is from the tribe of Levi. Not only was Samuel from the tribe of Levi, but he may have had Ephraimite blood, too ( 1 Ch 6:33–38, 1 Sa 1:1 ). This qualified him to serve in the temple, but Samuel was much more than a priest (see below). 4.
What are some interesting facts about Samuel?
Samuel is one of the most intriguing Old Testament figures (to me, at least). He’s a star player in the story of David and Saul: the first two God-anointed kings of Israel. We meet him as a baby. We see him as a national leader, intercessor, and even a ghost.
Why is Samuel the last?
Why is Samuel the last? Because after Samuel, Israel is led by kings ( Ac 13:20 ).
How many times did God call Samuel?
12. God calls Samuel by name—twice. Samuel is one of 8 people in the Bible that God calls by name … twice. The others are Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Martha, Simon, “My God,” and Saul.
Why is Samuel's ministry important?
Samuel’s prophetic ministry is significant because it begins at a time when words from the Lord are rare and infrequent ( 1 Sa 3:1 ). But after Samuel, Israel’s history comes alive with prophetic revelation: much of which is recorded in the prophetic books of the Bible.
Who celebrated Passover after Samuel died?
Hundreds of years after Samuel’s death, a king named Josiah celebrates the Passover. It’s such an affair, the author says it’s the greatest Passover ever—well, ever since Samuel’s day ( 2 Ch 35:18 ).
Who was the first prophet?
6. Samuel is the first of the prophets. In the book of Acts, Peter also considers Samuel to be the first of the prophets—after Moses, that is ( Ac 3:24 ). A prophet is someone who speaks on behalf of God.
Why was Samuel born?
Samuel was born in response to his mother Hannah’s prayers. Samuel’s parents traveled annually from Ramah to the Shiloh sanctuary (1 Sam 1:3). While at the sanctuary, Hannah, who was infertile, prayed for a son and promised him to God for full-time service (1:9‑11).
Who was Samuel the Seer?
Through prayer and perseverance, Samuel was a faithful leader (Jer 15:1; Acts 13:20; Heb 11:32) who cherished his people’s well-being and courageously rebuked kings and elders. He led Israel from tribal disunity to national solidarity and established the monarchy. He wrote The Record of Samuel the Seer (1 Chr 29:29) and defined ideal kingship ...
What did God say to Samuel?
God spoke to Samuel (3:1‑18) to warn Eli of the coming disaster when the Philistines defeated Israel, killed Eli’s sons, and took the Ark of the Covenant (chs 4–6). Later, under Samuel’s leadership, the people repented of their sin of idolatry and succeeded in winning an important battle against the Philistines (7:3‑17).
Where is Samuel the Seer buried?
He wrote The Record of Samuel the Seer (1 Chr 29:29) and defined ideal kingship (1 Sam 10:25). When he died, he was mourned by all Israel. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown (25:1). Take a look inside the Illustrated Study Bible. Share:
Who did Hannah take Samuel to?
When Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to serve in the sanctuary with Eli, the high priest (1:24‑28). Eli’s sons were wicked and pagan, but Samuel served the Lord. Soon it became clear that God spoke more intimately with Samuel than with Eli.
What was the transition from the era of the judges to kingship?
The transition from the era of the judges to kingship was turbulent. As priest, Samuel prayed for the people; as prophet, he reproved Saul for impatience and disobedience (13:5‑14; 15:20‑23). When God rejected Saul as king, Samuel anointed David as God’s chosen one (16:1‑13) and protected David from Saul (19:18‑24).
Who is Samuel Israel III?
Samuel Israel III. For other people with the same name, see Samuel Israel. Samuel Israel III (born July 20, 1959) is an American-born former hedge fund manager for the Bayou Hedge Fund Group, which he founded in 1996.
How long was Samuel Israel III sentenced to?
sentenced to 22 years. Samuel Israel III (born July 20, 1959) is an American-born former hedge fund manager for the Bayou Hedge Fund Group, which he founded in 1996.
What happened to Bayou and Israel?
Bayou and Israel misappropriated these funds for personal use, running what would later be revealed as a Ponzi scheme. After poor returns in 1998, the firm founded a dummy accounting firm, which they hired to audit themselves in order to keep up appearances to investors. In 2005, Bayou was indicted.
Where did Israel go to school?
Early life and education. Born to Jewish family, Israel attended Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York. He does not have a college degree.
Where is Israel serving his sentence?
Israel is serving his sentence at Federal Correctional Institution, Butner Low in Butner, North Carolina; his earliest possible release date is September 12, 2027. A Dateline segment about him aired on September 5, 2008.
How long was Israel in prison?
Sentenced in April 2008 to 20 years in federal prison, Israel failed to report to prison as ordered on June 9, 2008. His 2006 GMC Envoy was found abandoned on the Bear Mountain Bridge on June 10, 2008 with the following written in dust on the hood, " Suicide is Painless ," the title of the theme song for both the movie and TV series M*A*S*H. Police suspected that this was an attempt by Israel to fake his own death in order to avoid prison. Israel's girlfriend, Debra Ryan, was arrested later that same month for aiding and abetting his escape, and was released on bail. Under intense questioning, Ryan admitted to helping him escape, and that she and Israel parked an RV loaded with Israel's belongings near Bear Mountain Bridge on the day before his disappearance. The pair were featured on America's Most Wanted.
Who is Sam Israel?
Sam Israel was the largest private owner of properties in downtown Seattle and in Pioneer Square, a slum landlord credited with preserving much of Seattle's architectural heritage because of what has been termed his benign neglect. In addition to the 40 properties he owned in Seattle, 14 of which were in Pioneer Square, ...
Who were Sam Israel's brothers?
He trained his brothers, Jack, David, John, and Morris, to be shoe repairmen and they all opened up their own shops. Purchasing Real Estate. Sam Israel began purchasing real estate in the 1920s, with the intent to always buy and never sell.
What was Sam Israel's study of the Grand Coulee and Columbia Plateau?
This was an important study in the Grand Coulee and Columbia Plateau, with faunal analysis. The Samis Foundation. Sam Israel was a self-directed man who wanted to do things his way and so in 1979 he set out to write provisions for his Samis Foundation.
What buildings did Samis improve?
Some of the buildings that the Samis Foundation has improved are the Scientific Building, the Hartford Building, the U.S. Rubber Building, and the Mottman Building. The Northern Hotel, Collins Building, and the Washington Shoe Building, among others, have also been renovated. Samis bought the Smith Tower in 1997 at auction and restored it. A few years later it was sold.
Why did Ruby Montana owe Sam Israel her business?
Ruby Montana, one of his tenants in Pioneer Square, said that she owed her business career to Sam Israel because he encouraged her to quit her teaching job at Roosevelt High School and devote all of her time to her collectables business.
Where was Sam Israel born?
Sam Israel was born on March 4, 1889, on the Island of Rhodes to Sarota (Sarah) and Yitzhak (Isaac) Israel. They were a Sephardic Jewish family that emigrated to Seattle in 1919. (Sephardic Jews are descendants of Jews from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East.
Where is Sam Israel's shoe business?
His firm, Rotary Shoe Repair, was located at 224 Madison and later, by the early 1930s, he had established his Wing Foot Shoe Renewal business at 1609 3rd Avenue.
Overview
Biblical account
Samuel's mother was Hannah and his father was Elkanah. Elkanah lived at Ramathaim in the district of Zuph. His genealogy is also found in a pedigree of the Kohathites (1 Chronicles 6:3–15) and in that of Heman the Ezrahite, apparently his grandson (1 Chronicles 6:18–33).
According to the genealogical tables in Chronicles, Elkanah was a Levite—a fac…
Documentary hypothesis
Some authors see the biblical Samuel as combining descriptions of two distinct roles:
• A seer, based at Ramah, and seemingly known scarcely beyond the immediate neighbourhood of Ramah (Saul, for example, not having heard of him, with his servant informing him of his existence instead). In this role, Samuel is associated with the bands of musical ecstatic roaming prophets (Nevi'im) at Gibeah, Bethel, and Gilgal, and some traditional scholars have argued that Samuel wa…
Perspectives on Samuel
According to the Book of Jeremiah and one of the Psalms, Samuel had a high devotion to God. Classical Rabbinical literature adds that he was more than an equal to Moses, God speaking directly to Samuel, rather than Samuel having to attend the tabernacle to hear God. Samuel is also described by the Rabbis as having been extremely intelligent; he argued that it was legitimate for laymen t…
Portrayals
Actors who have portrayed Samuel include Leonard Nimoy in the 1997 TV-film David, Eamonn Walker in the 2009 TV-series Kings and Mohammad Bakri in the 2016 TV-series Of Kings and Prophets.
See also
• Biblical judges
• Books of Samuel
• List of names referring to El
• Midrash Samuel
Explanatory notes
1. ^ /ˈsæmjuːəl/; Hebrew: שְׁמוּאֵל Šəmūʾēl; Arabic: إِشْمَوِيل ʾIshmawīl or صموئيل Ṣamūʾīl; Greek: Σαμουήλ Samouḗl; Latin: Samūēl