“And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” (1 Samuel 3:19, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into Samuel’s pivotal role as a judge, prophet, and spiritual leader in the Bible, showcasing how his obedience, intercession, and faithfulness mirrored God’s enduring love and provided profound lessons for personal devotion and communal harmony in contemporary life.

GIFT OF PROPHECY: PROPHET’S PATH: SAMUEL’S SAGA!

The purpose of this blog is to explore Samuel’s role in the Bible as a judge, prophet, and spiritual leader, highlighting how his life and service reflected God’s love and purpose. Using a biblical perspective, we will examine Samuel’s life through scriptural insights to uncover his lessons for individuals and communities today. Scripture reveals that God calls His prophets for a purpose, as in Amos 3:7, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Clearly, God ordains leaders like Samuel to guide His people, as in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” As noted in Patriarchs and Prophets, “Elkanah, a Levite of Mount Ephraim, was a man of wealth and influence, and one who loved and feared the Lord. His wife, Hannah, was a woman of fervent piety” (p. 569, 1890). In Patriarchs and Prophets, “Hannah’s prayer was granted; she received the gift for which she had so earnestly entreated. As she looked upon the child, she called him Samuel—’asked of God’” (p. 570, 1890). This introduction sets the stage for understanding Samuel’s significance.

SAMUEL’S JUDGMENT JOLT!

Samuel’s judgeship is described vividly in the Bible, especially in 1 Samuel 7:15-17: “And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.” His dual role as a judge and spiritual leader shows how God raised him to guide Israel during a morally declining era. Samuel called the people to repentance, urging them to forsake idols and return to the Lord. As Ellen G. White notes in Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Israelites had fallen into idolatry, and the spiritual revival under Samuel’s leadership was God’s effort to restore them” (p. 589). Revealing his calling early, God appointed Samuel as a prophet in 1 Samuel 3:20, “And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.” Scripture reveals that Samuel interceded for Israel in 1 Samuel 12:18, “And Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.” In Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Lord called Samuel at a perilous time, when it was rare for a prophet to be found” (p. 581, 1890). In Patriarchs and Prophets, “Samuel labored to promote the true religion among the people. He went from place to place, explaining the law, and exhorting to obedience” (p. 603, 1890). This reminds us that leaders raised by God must balance justice with spiritual direction. How can we, like Samuel, act as instruments of restoration in our communities?

DELIVERANCE DASH!

One of Samuel’s most significant accomplishments was leading Israel to victory over the Philistines after the nation repented and sought God’s help. The Bible records, “As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them” (1 Samuel 7:10). Sr. White writes, “When Israel humbled themselves before the Lord, His power was manifest in their behalf” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 590). This story illustrates that deliverance comes not from human strength but from obedience to God. Starting with the action, God delivered Israel through obedience in 1 Samuel 7:3, “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” Clearly, obedience leads to victory as in Deuteronomy 28:7, “The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.” In Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Philistines were panic-stricken. They felt that they were fighting, not merely with men, but with a supernatural power” (p. 591, 1890). In Patriarchs and Prophets, “Through Samuel’s instructions they learned that their strength was not in outward display, but in humble dependence upon God” (p. 592, 1890). Can we examine areas in our lives where pride or disobedience hinders God’s power from working fully?

MONARCHY MAYHEM!

Samuel played a pivotal role in Israel’s transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, anointing both Saul and David as kings. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel said to Saul, “Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over His inheritance?” Samuel’s reluctant acceptance of Israel’s demand for a king underscores his humility and submission to God’s will, even when it conflicted with his personal desires. As Sr. White notes, “Samuel foresaw the danger of a monarchy, yet he faithfully carried out God’s command” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 610). This teaches us to prioritize obedience over preference. Starting with a prepositional phrase, in God’s plan kings were appointed as in Deuteronomy 17:15, “Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.” Revealing His sovereignty, God chose Saul initially in 1 Samuel 9:17, “And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.” In Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Lord had, through His prophet, given the people warning of what would result from their course” (p. 607, 1890). In Patriarchs and Prophets, “Samuel was deeply grieved at the request of the people for a king” (p. 611, 1890). How often do we resist God’s plans because they differ from our expectations?

LOVE’S LEGACY!

Samuel’s life exemplifies God’s enduring love and commitment to His people. Despite Israel’s repeated rebellion, God raised Samuel to lead them back to righteousness. His intercession during crises and his dedication to truth mirrored God’s patience and grace. For example, Samuel’s anointing of David demonstrated God’s providence in preparing Israel for future blessings, even as Saul’s reign faltered. This reflects God’s love by emphasizing His willingness to guide His people through challenging transitions. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward” (2 Peter 3:9). Starting with the action, God shows love through leaders like Samuel in Psalm 89:19, “Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.” Clearly, God’s commitment endures as in Lamentations 3:22-23, “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” In Patriarchs and Prophets, “Samuel’s life of purity and unselfish devotion was a perpetual rebuke both to self-serving priests and elders and to the proud and sensual people” (p. 608, 1890). In Patriarchs and Prophets, “God had raised up Samuel to be a faithful witness for Him in Israel” (p. 593, 1890). In what ways can we reflect this longsuffering love in our relationships?

APPLICATION AVENGERS!

Personally, Samuel’s story calls me to examine my obedience to God and my readiness to intercede for others. When I feel inadequate, I am reminded that God equips those He calls. Communally, we are challenged to create spaces for spiritual revival and accountability, just as Samuel did through his leadership and altars. As Sr. White says, “The same principles that governed Samuel’s life should characterize the lives of all who are called to service” (Education, p. 56). Revealing His equipping power, God strengthens leaders in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Starting with a prepositional phrase, in God’s faithfulness we find strength as in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” In Education, “Samuel came to the high office of judge under the most discouraging circumstances” (p. 266, 1903). In Education, “The earliest years of the prophet Samuel were passed in the service of the tabernacle” (p. 57, 1903). Let us ask ourselves: How can our communities foster an atmosphere where God’s love and justice are evident?

Samuel’s life teaches us about obedience, intercession, and God’s faithfulness. From his role as a judge and prophet to his involvement in the monarchy’s establishment, Samuel exemplified God’s love in action. As individuals and communities, we are invited to emulate his dedication, trusting that God’s plans are always for our good (Jeremiah 29:11). Through Samuel’s story, we see that God’s love is patient, restorative, and unwavering—a call to reflect these qualities in our lives and leadership. Starting with the action, God remains faithful as in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” Clearly, His plans unfold in Deuteronomy 31:8, “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” In Patriarchs and Prophets, “Samuel’s life of purity and unselfish devotion was a perpetual rebuke” (p. 608, 1890). In Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Lord had through His prophet given special direction concerning these observances” (p. 604, 1890). Let us embrace this challenge with humility and faith.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into Samuel’s prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes from Samuel’s life to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about prophets like Samuel in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of obedience and God’s faithfulness?