Samuel

Also known as: Shemuel, Samuel the Seer

Prophet · Judge · Kingmaker

Samuel was born in answer to the desperate prayer of his mother Hannah, who had been barren. She vowed: "If thou wilt...give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life" (1 Samuel 1:11). After weaning, Hannah brought the boy to the tabernacle at Shiloh, where he served under the priest Eli. As a child, God called Samuel by name in the night — three times Samuel thought it was Eli calling before the priest realized God was speaking (1 Samuel 3:1-10). Samuel responded: "Speak; for thy servant heareth." He served as the last judge of Israel, leading the nation in a period of transition from the judges to the monarchy. When the people demanded a king "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5), God told Samuel to grant their request but to warn them of the cost. Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1), then later — after Saul's disobedience — secretly anointed the shepherd boy David as Saul's successor (1 Samuel 16:13). Samuel died at Ramah, and "all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him" (1 Samuel 25:1).

Key Events

1Born in answer to Hannah's prayer
2Dedicated to the tabernacle at Shiloh as a child
3Called by God in the night: "Speak; for thy servant heareth"
4Served as last judge of Israel
5Anointed Saul as first king of Israel
6Anointed David as Saul's successor
7Died at Ramah — all Israel mourned

What Scripture Says (120 verses)

1 Samuel 1:20

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

1 Samuel · Chapter 1

1 Samuel 2:18

But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

1 Samuel · Chapter 2

1 Samuel 2:21

And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

1 Samuel · Chapter 2

1 Samuel 2:26

And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

1 Samuel · Chapter 2

1 Samuel 3:1

And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

1 Samuel · Chapter 3

1 Samuel 3:3

And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

1 Samuel · Chapter 3

1 Samuel 3:4

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

1 Samuel · Chapter 3

1 Samuel 3:6

And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

1 Samuel · Chapter 3

1 Samuel 3:7

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.

1 Samuel · Chapter 3

1 Samuel 3:8

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

1 Samuel · Chapter 3

Showing 10 of 120 verses

Church Tradition

Death

Died at Ramah — buried there

Location: Ramah

Source: 1 Samuel 25:1

Biblical Record

Details

From: Ramah, Ephraim
Verses: 120
Category: prophet

Appears In

1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Chronicles Psalms Jeremiah Acts Hebrews

Key Verses

1 Samuel 1:11

1 Samuel 3:1-10

1 Samuel 8:5-7

1 Samuel 10:1

1 Samuel 16:13

1 Samuel 25:1