Prophet: Samuel

Samuel was dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, as part of a vow she made before he was born (1 Samuel 1:11). Hannah had been barren and prayed so fervently for a child that Eli the priest thought she was drunk (1 Samuel 1). God granted Hannah’s request, and, true to her promise, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord.

After Samuel was weaned he was brought to the tabernacle to serve under Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:22–25). Traditionally, the sons of the priest would succeed their father’s ministry; however, Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were wicked and showed contempt for the Lord’s offering (1 Samuel 2:17). Meanwhile, Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men (1 Samuel 2:26).

The Philistines, perennial enemies of Israel, attacked and the ark of the covenant was captured and taken to Philistia. As the Israelites cried out to God for help against the Philistines, Samuel instructed them to be rid of the false gods they had been worshiping. With Samuel’s leadership, and by God’s power, the Philistines were overcome, and there was a time of peace between them (1 Samuel 7:9–13). Samuel was recognized as Judge over all of Israel.

Samuel’s two sons sinned before God so the elders of Israel told Samuel that they wanted Samuel to appoint a king to rule like other nations had (1 Samuel 8:1–5).  God told Samuel that they had not rejected him (Samuel), but had rejected God as their king. God gave Samuel permission for their request but warned the people what they could expect from a king (1 Samuel 8:6–21). Saul, a Benjamite, was anointed by Samuel as Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 10:1). 

Samuel learned that Saul had been rejected by God because of Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 13:11–13). When Saul continued to disobey despite Samuel's warnings, Samuel denounced him as king (1 Samuel 15:26). God instructed Samuel to choose another king from the family of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1), and Samuel anointed Jesse’s youngest son, David (1 Samuel 16:13). When Samuel died before David was made king,  "all Israel assembled and mourned for him" (1 Samuel 25:1).