If we look back at the major contributors of old testament, Moses, Samuel and Ezra stood apart. All of them are prolific writers and their contribution to the old testament is enormous. Samuel probably took major effort in consolidating the book of judges and documented the history of Israel all the way to its second king, David; before passing on the baton to the next prophet Nathan.
Facts & Figures
| Samuel : Meaning | I asked the Lord for him |
| Birth | Approx. 1200 BC |
| Parents | Elkanah and Hannah |
| Children | Joel and Abijah |
| Role | Prophet, Judge, Counselor, Priest |
| Mentor | Eli |
| Weakness | Failed in parenting (1 Samuel 8:1-3) |
| Strength | Listened to God and acted on complete obedience |
| Crucial Moment | Transformation of Israel from Theocracy (God as King) to Monarchy (Human Kings). |
| Low emotional point | Saul’s failure as King (1 Samuel 16:1) |
| Skills | Writer, Orator |
| Ebenezer : Meaning | Up to this point God has helped us (1 Samuel 8:12) |
Familiar Verses
- Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” – 1 Samuel 3:10
- People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Samuel was committed to God’s work as Nazarite(by his mother Hannah), before he was born. After Samuel was weaned, Hannah left him at the care of Eli. It would have been such a difficult moment for Hannah to leave her only son. But she had to fulfill the vow she gave to God and God honored her commitment by blessing her with more kids. Hannah and Elkanah lived in Ramah, which is approximately 30kms south of Shilloh, where Eli lived. But Hannah could meet Samuel only once in a year. She made a point to make a little robe each year for Samuel. I am sure, Samuel would have been a special child for her. As Hannah’s life became busier with the addition of three sons and two daughters in her family, Samuel’s life got deeper in God’s ministries.
The early years of Samuel and Jesus Christ were described almost using same text. 1 Samuel 2:26 and Luke 2:52 are almost same. Samuel from the young age grew up ministering for God. We can read Samuel’s genealogy in 1 Chronicles 6:25. He was born in Levite family and eligible to minister before God as priest. He was able to listen God’s calling clearly in his age and was appropriately guided by Eli on how he should respond and receive God’s message.
As Eli got older, weaker and blind as God told him (1 Samuel 2:31) and his indiscipline sons became abomination before God the ministry of priesthood fell more on Samuel in his young age itself. Israelites fought a long battle against Philistines over hundred years from the time of Eli all the way to David. The discovery of Iron gave undisputed superiority to Philistines. The weapons and chariots are far superior compare to Israelites weapons and tactics. Philistines made sure Israelites never got to know the secret of Iron and its potential usage. In spite of that during Samuel’s life time Philistines were defeated and Subdued (1 Samuel 7:13) with God’s help.
For further study:
Go through Samuel’s farewell speech and understand the responsibility of the leader – 1 Samuel 12
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