Who Was Samuel in the Bible?
Who Was Samuel in the Bible? Samuel was the last judge and first major prophet of Israel, dedicated to God's service from birth, who anointed both Saul and David as kings.
Key verse: 1 Samuel 3:10 (KJV)
Samuel was the last judge and first major prophet of Israel, dedicated to God's service from birth, who anointed both Saul and David as kings.
Samuel was the last judge and first major prophet of Israel, dedicated to God's service from birth, who anointed both Saul and David as kings.
"And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." — 1 Samuel 3:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Samuel's birth was an answer to his mother Hannah's desperate prayer (1 Samuel 1). She had been barren, and she vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord. True to her word, she brought young Samuel to serve in the tabernacle under Eli the priest. As a boy, Samuel heard God's voice calling him at night (1 Samuel 3) — one of the most beloved stories in the Bible. He grew to become a prophet, priest, and judge who led Israel through a critical transition period. When the people demanded a king 'like all the nations,' Samuel warned them of the consequences but obeyed God and anointed Saul (1 Samuel 8-10). When Saul proved unfaithful, God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint David — 'a man after his own heart' (1 Samuel 13:14). Samuel's integrity was unquestioned; at the end of his career he challenged anyone to accuse him of corruption, and no one could (1 Samuel 12:3-4).
Key Scripture References
"And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward."
"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was King David?
David was the shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, known as 'a man after God's own heart' and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Who Was King David?
David was the shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, known as 'a man after God's own heart' and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Leadership?
Biblical leadership is servant leadership — modeling Christ who came not to be served but to serve.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Samuel. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Samuel on day 70 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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