The last judge and first major prophet of Israel, dedicated to God’s service before birth by his mother Hannah. Raised in the tabernacle at Shiloh, the boy Samuel heard God’s voice calling him in the night—a pivotal moment in Israel’s spiritual history. He anointed both Saul and David as kings, bridging the era of judges with the monarchy. Samuel’s ministry restored prophetic revelation to Israel after a long silence and established the prophetic tradition that would endure for centuries.
Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”1 Samuel 3:10 · Berean Standard Bible
So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”
Her grief was so deep the priest mistook her for being drunk. But Hannah's whispered plea becomes one of the most powerful petitions in Scripture.
And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located. Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” Now Samuel did not yet…
A boy in the temple hears his name in the dark. Three times he runs to Eli. The fourth time, he listens — and a prophet is born.
So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places. Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.
Samuel calls Israel to repentance at Mizpah. They fast, pray, and pour out water before the Lord. God thunders against the Philistines.
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.” So Samuel did what the…
God sends Samuel to a house in Bethlehem. Everyone expects the tall, strong son. God chooses the shepherd boy.
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