Prophet / Judge · OT
Samuel
The last judge and first of the great prophets — kingmaker to both Saul and David.
Samuel was the son for whom Hannah prayed (1 Samuel 1). Raised in the sanctuary at Shiloh under Eli, he received his first prophetic word as a boy in the night — 'Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears' (1 Samuel 3:9) — and from that point 'Yahweh let none of his words fall to the ground' (3:19).
He served as Israel's last judge, a circuit-rider holding court at Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and as priest, prophet, and national counselor through the Philistine wars. When the people demanded a king, Samuel both warned them of the cost (1 Samuel 8) and anointed Saul. After Saul's disobedience he privately anointed the shepherd-boy David in Bethlehem and mentored him until his own death.
Hebrews 11:32 names him in the roll of the faithful; Acts 3:24 identifies him as the first in the line of prophets that culminates in Christ.
Key moments
Boyhood call at Shiloh
Hears the Lord while serving under Eli (1 Samuel 3).
Last judge of Israel
Leads the nation against the Philistines (1 Samuel 7).
Anoints Saul as king
Reluctantly inaugurates the monarchy (1 Samuel 10).
Anoints David in Bethlehem
Identifies the next king while Saul still reigns (1 Samuel 16).
Key verses
"And Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
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"And Samuel grew, and Jehovah was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground."
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"And Jehovah said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them."
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"And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
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"But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart."
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Frequently asked
Why was Samuel upset that Israel wanted a king?
1 Samuel 8:7 records the LORD's interpretation: 'they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them.' The demand for a king like the surrounding nations was a vote against God's direct rule, not just against Samuel personally.
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