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The Biblical figure of Samuel was alive during the time period of the Judges and personally saw to the transition of this time period into that of the Kings of Israel: Samuel himself was responsible for anointing the first two kings [Saul in 1 Samuel 9, David in 1 Samuel 16].
The Biblical books of 1 & 2 Samuel, were named after Samuel who is believed to have started their writing and authored a sizeable portion of their material. The beginning of Samuel’s life is recorded in some detail due to his importance in Israel’s history.
Recorded in 1 Samuel 1-3, we learn of his father Elkanah, who was a Levite [1 Chronicles 6:25-27] though his family was from the territory of Ephraim [1 Sam.1:1], and he lived in the city of Ramah, in the territory of Benjamin [1 Sam. 1:19].
Elkanah’s wife Hannah, prayed for a child and promised to dedicate him to God. She named her son Samuel because in Hebrew it sounds like the phrase, “requested from God”.
Samuel was raised as a Nazirite [1 Samuel 1:11, see for reference Numbers 6], and while still very young he was brought to live with the High Priest Eli, in the city of Shiloh, where the Tent Tabernacle was set up. Under Eli’s guidance Samuel was taught priestly duties, but unlike the other priests of the time, God is said to have revealed Himself to the young Samuel [1 Sam.3], who then prophesied to all of Israel, apparently a very rare thing in those days [1 Sam.3:1; 4:1].
Hannah named her son Samuel because in Hebrew it sounds like the phrase, “requested from God”.
During Samuel’s life the Philistines oppressed Israel. They successfully stole the Ark of the Covenant for a time and destroyed Shiloh. Which we can assume is why Samuel is then said to have lived in the city of Ramah, the home of his parents [1 Samuel 7:7].
He was anything but stationary however, the Bible is clear that this prophet of God was also the acting Judge of Israel [1 Samuel 7:15-16] who travelled to three locations in the country every year in order to provide access for all [Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah].
Apparently Samuel was also a married man, the Bible records that he had attempted to prepare for the future of Israel by appointing his sons (Joel and Abijah) judges over Israel, but they were corrupt, prompting the Israelites, in the face of the enemy Philistines, to demand a King.
Corie Bobechko is a daily co-host, speaker, and writer of Bible Discovery. She also hosts a YouTube channel that shows how history and archaeology prove the Bible. Her heart for seekers and skeptics has led her to seek truth and share it with others. Corie also has a Bachelor of Theology from Canada Christian College.
