Who was Samuel?

Prophet and Judge of Israel

The story of Samuel

Samuel - Prophet, biblical judge
Samuel - Prophet, biblical judge
88 yearsBorn: -1101Died: -1013From: Ramathaim-ZophimProphet, biblical judge

Samuel was a biblical figure and one of the last of the Judges in the Old Testament. He was born in Ramathaim, in the hill country of Ephraim, and was raised in the Tabernacle at Shiloh by the priest Eli. Samuel is famous for his role as a prophet and judge in ancient Israel, and for anointing both Saul and David as the first two Kings of Israel. He was a respected leader and was known for his wisdom and integrity. As a young boy, Samuel heard the voice of God and was called to serve as a prophet. Throughout his life, he delivered messages from God to the Israelites and was instrumental in guiding the nation through times of crisis and change. After serving as a judge and prophet for many years, Samuel eventually passed on his responsibilities to Saul and David, and continued to offer counsel and guidance to the nation of Israel. Samuel died at an old age, and his legacy as a faithful servant of God and a leader of Israel continues to be remembered and revered by people of the Jewish and Christian faiths.

Name meaning

"Heard by God"

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Prophet, biblical judge

First mention

1 Samuel 1:20

Appearances in the Bible

121 mentions

Family

Relatives of Samuel

Samuel in the Bible

Explore all 27 chapters where Samuel appears

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 3

The Healing of the Lame Man

Peter and John heal a man at the temple gate, and they are arrested and put on trial.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 13

The First Missionary Journey of Paul and Barnabas

Paul and Barnabas are set apart for missionary work and begin their first journey.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 1

Hannah's Prayer

A barren woman named Hannah prays for a son and dedicates him to God's service when he is born. She gives birth to Samue...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 2

Hannah's Song of Praise

Hannah sings a song of thanksgiving for God's blessing of a son, declaring that God lifts up the humble and brings down ...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 3

The Lord Calls Samuel

Samuel is called by God to be a prophet while he is serving in the temple. He initially mistakes God's voice for the voi...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 4

Israel Defeated by the Philistines

The Israelites are defeated in battle against the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. This leads to a ...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 7

Samuel Leads Israel

Samuel leads the Israelites in a period of victory and prosperity. He judges the people justly and serves as a mediator ...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 8

The People Demand a King

The people of Israel demand a king, even though God has been their king through the judges and prophets. Samuel warns th...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 9

Saul Chosen as King

Saul is chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, and he is anointed by Samuel.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 10

Saul's Reign Begins

Saul's reign as king begins, and he experiences military victories and the affirmation of the people.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 11

Saul's Disobedience and Rejection

Saul disobeys God's commands, leading to his rejection as king. Samuel anoints David as the next king.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 12

David Anointed King

David is anointed as the next king of Israel by Samuel.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 13

Saul's Jealousy of David

Saul becomes jealous of David's military victories and popularity, leading to a period of conflict between the two.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 15

Saul Disobeys God Again

Saul disobeys God's commands and is rejected as king for a second time.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 16

David Anointed King Again

David is anointed as the next king of Israel for a second time by Samuel.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 19

Michal Helps David Escape

Saul tries to kill David, who flees and becomes a fugitive.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 25

Death of Samuel

Samuel dies, and David mourns his loss.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 28

Saul Consult with a Medium

Saul consults with a medium to speak to the dead Samuel, who prophesies Saul's impending defeat and death.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 6

Levi's Genealogy and Roles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 9

Genealogies and Roles of Returning Exiles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 11

David Anointed King, Conquests, and Mighty Men

David becomes king over all Israel, establishing his reign in Jerusalem.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 26

Duties of Gatekeepers, Treasurers, and Other Levites

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 29

David's Final Preparations and Solomon Anointed King

David's final preparations for the construction of the temple and the anointing of Solomon as king

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 35

Josiah's Passover and Death

Josiah's last acts of piety, including the celebration of the Passover, and the somber conclusion of his reign with his ...

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Hebrews

Chapter 11

Examples of Faith

This chapter provides examples of people from the Old Testament who lived by faith, inspiring readers to follow their ex...

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Psalms

Chapter 99

The Majesty of God

Psalm 99 praises God's majestic rule over all nations and His holiness. The psalmist recounts examples of powerful leade...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 15

Jeremiah's Lament and God's Response

In Jeremiah chapter 15, the prophet laments to God about the persecution and rejection he faces from his people. God res...

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Showing all 27 chapter appearances