Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets
‘Samuel’ – faith’s integrity (1Sam. 3:18; 7:1-17; 8:1-3; 12:16-24).
Samuel, God heard, or His name is El. His parents were Hannah and Elkanah (1Sam. 1:2). He grew up in the temple with the high priest Eli since he was a small boy.
Twelve facts on Samuel: He was weaned (1Sam. 1:23-24). Lent to the Lord as a Nazarite (1Sam. 1:11, 24-28). Ministered to the Lord (1Sam. 2:11, 18; 3:1). Grew in body and spirit (1Sam. 2:26; 3:19). Had favour with God and men (1Sam. 2:26; 3:19). Became God’s prophet (1Sam. 3:1-21). Was acknowledged as a true prophet of God by all Israel (1Sam. 3:19-21; 4:1). Became the sixteenth judge of Israel (1Sam. 7:15-17). Delivered Israel from the Philistines by miracles (1Sam. 7:1-14). Initiated kingdom of Israel (1Sam. 8:1-12). Rejected Saul and anointed David as king (1Sam. 15:1-16:13). Spent last days as a judge (1Sam. 7:15; 19:18-24; 25:1).
Samuel spoke only as God inspired him, so every prediction was literally fulfilled. He gave only sound advice to Israel, so all his counsels were received as coming from God (1Sam. 7:3-17; 8:7-22; 9:15-10:27; 12:1-25; 13:11-15; 15:13-35; 16:1-13). Samuel was a true and just judge and a godly leader, one without a recorded sin – an ideal character of right living, like Joseph in Genesis. The Bible has been faithful to tell of the goodness as well as the failures of men. This proves it has been divinely inspired, for no man would record his own deeds of failure and evil without being inspired by God to do so.
Samuel continued to be highly esteemed as a prophet and judge in Israel until his death about thirty-eight years after Saul became king (1Sam. 25:1).
To be continued…
Living the Word 