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Judges · Old Testament

Samuel

Prophet, Priest & Last Judge of Israel

Name meaning
Name of God or God has heard
Name origin
Hebrew: שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemuel), commonly understood as "name of God" or "God has heard"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Prophet
  • Priest
  • Judge
Birthplace
Ramah (in the hill country of Ephraim)
Modern-day location
The hill country north of Jerusalem, in the present-day West Bank; the exact identification is uncertain.
Family
  • Son of Elkanah and Hannah
  • Mentored by Eli
  • Father of Joel and Abijah
First mention
1 Samuel 1:19-20
Last mention
1 Samuel 25:1; also 1 Samuel 28
Key artifacts
  • Horn of oil for anointing
  • Ephod
  • Altar at Ramah

Key verses

  • “Speak; for thy servant heareth.”

    1 Samuel 3:10

  • “God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you.”

    1 Samuel 12:23

  • “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

    1 Samuel 15:22

Biography

Early Life

Samuel was born in answer to Hannah's prayer and dedicated to service at Shiloh under Eli. As a boy he heard God's call in the night and faithfully delivered difficult messages.

Defining Biblical Moments

Samuel served as Israel's last judge, anointed both Saul and David as kings, and called the people to covenant faithfulness. He confronted Saul's disobedience and upheld the role of prophet over political power.

Strengths

Samuel is portrayed as prayerful, obedient from childhood, and courageous in speaking truth to kings.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His sons' corruption contributed to Israel's demand for a king, showing that even faithful leaders cannot guarantee the faithfulness of the next generation.

Life Lessons for Today

Listening early and consistently to God shapes a lifetime of service; integrity requires willingness to deliver unwelcome truth.

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Samuel appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #17 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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