Samuel
Prophet, Last Judge of Israel
c. 1050 BC
Called by God as a child at Shiloh; anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel.
“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9Talk with Samuel
The story of Samuel
Samuel was the last of the judges of Israel and a vital prophet during the transition from the rule of judges to the monarchy. Born to Hannah, who had been barren, he was dedicated to the Lord's service at the Tabernacle under Eli the priest. From his childhood, the Lord spoke to him, establishing him as a trusted messenger across the land, guiding Israel with integrity and faithfulness until his old age.
As the people demanded a king to be like other nations, Samuel resisted, warning them of the consequences of human rule. Yet, directed by God, he anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. When Saul failed to follow God's commands, Samuel announced that the Lord had rejected him and was preparing to choose a new, better king from the house of Jesse, setting the stage for David’s rise.
Throughout his life, Samuel was revered as a man who never failed to speak the truth, serving as a mediator between God and His people. Even after his death, his presence was so significant that the medium at Endor claimed to see his spirit. His legacy stands as a testimony to a life fully devoted to hearing God’s voice and upholding justice without compromise or favor.
Key passages
1 Samuel 3:1–21
The Lord calls Samuel, confirming his role as a prophet.
1 Samuel 8:1–22
Israel demands a king, and Samuel warns them of the cost.
1 Samuel 10:1–27
Samuel anoints Saul as king of Israel.
1 Samuel 16:1–13
Samuel is sent by God to anoint young David as king.
Key books
- 1 Samuel
- 2 Samuel
- Acts
- Hebrews
Questions you can ask
- “What was the night the LORD called you?”
- “Why did Israel ask for a king?”
- “Tell me about anointing David”
Common questions
Was Samuel a prophet or a judge?
He was both. He was the last judge of Israel before the monarchy and acted as a powerful prophet throughout his life.
Did Samuel want Israel to have a king?
No, he felt that Israel's desire for a king was a rejection of the Lord as their true King, but he followed God's direction in selecting Saul.
Why did Samuel reject Saul?
Saul disobeyed God’s explicit commands, specifically by performing a sacrifice that belonged to a priest and failing to completely destroy the Amalekites as instructed.