Character Study Of Samuel Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF SAMUEL – PROPHET AND LAST JUDGE OF ISRAEL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 3:19

"And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground."

Supporting Texts:

1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 3:1-21, 1 Samuel 7:3-17, 1 Samuel 8:1-22, 1 Samuel 12:1-25, Jeremiah 1:5, Acts 13:20

BACKGROUND OF SAMUEL

Samuel was one of the greatest figures in Israel’s history. He was the last judge of Israel, a prophet, and the one who anointed the first two kings of Israel—Saul and David. He was born in answer to the fervent prayers of his mother, Hannah, who had been barren. She dedicated him to the Lord even before his birth, and he was raised in the house of the Lord under Eli, the high priest (1 Samuel 1:10-28).

Samuel's leadership came at a critical time in Israel's history when the people transitioned from being ruled by judges to being led by kings. He was a man of integrity, wisdom, and deep spiritual insight, serving as God’s mouthpiece to the nation.

1. SAMUEL'S DIVINE CALLING AND EARLY LIFE

Samuel's life was marked by divine favour and purpose from birth.

a) He was a child of divine promise (1 Samuel 1:20)

His mother, Hannah, prayed for a son and vowed to dedicate him to the Lord.

b) He was dedicated to God’s service from childhood (1 Samuel 1:27-28)

Hannah kept her vow and brought him to serve in the temple under Eli.

c) He ministered before the Lord from a young age (1 Samuel 2:18)

Unlike Eli’s corrupt sons, Samuel grew up in righteousness.

d) He received God’s call as a child (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

God called him at a young age, and he responded in obedience.

e) Biblical Example: Jeremiah was also called by God from a young age (Jeremiah 1:5)

2. SAMUEL AS A PROPHET AND JUDGE OVER ISRAEL

Samuel played a unique role as both prophet and judge in Israel.

a) He became a trusted prophet of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:19-20)

God confirmed his words with accuracy.

b) He led Israel in spiritual revival (1 Samuel 7:3-4)

He called Israel to repentance and led them back to God.

c) He interceded for the people in times of trouble (1 Samuel 7:5-6)

His prayers brought divine intervention against the Philistines.

d) He was a righteous judge and leader (1 Samuel 7:15-17)

He ruled Israel with fairness and integrity.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also served as both a prophet and judge for Israel (Exodus 18:13-16)

3. SAMUEL AND THE TRANSITION TO KINGSHIP IN ISRAEL

Samuel oversaw Israel’s transition from judgeship to monarchy.

a) The people demanded a king (1 Samuel 8:4-5)

Israel wanted to be like other nations, rejecting God’s direct rule.

b) Samuel warned them of the dangers of having a king (1 Samuel 8:10-18)

He prophesied the burdens that a king would bring upon them.

c) He anointed Saul as Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 10:1)

Following God’s command, he consecrated Saul as king.

d) He rebuked Saul for disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Samuel declared that obedience is better than sacrifice.

e) Biblical Example: John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, just as Samuel prepared Israel for monarchy (Luke 1:76)

4. SAMUEL AND KING DAVID

Samuel played a key role in the rise of David.

a) God rejected Saul as king (1 Samuel 16:1)

Due to Saul’s disobedience, God sought a new king.

b) Samuel anointed David as the next king (1 Samuel 16:12-13)

He was led by God to anoint the shepherd boy, David.

c) He recognised that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7)

Unlike Saul, David was chosen for his heart of worship.

d) His influence shaped David’s early understanding of God’s call (1 Samuel 16:13)

David was anointed in secret but later became Israel’s greatest king.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah anointed Elisha to continue prophetic leadership (1 Kings 19:19)

5. STRENGTHS OF SAMUEL

Samuel displayed many remarkable qualities.

a) He was a man of deep prayer and intercession (1 Samuel 7:5)

b) He remained obedient to God throughout his life (1 Samuel 3:19)

c) He was a fearless prophet who spoke God’s truth (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

d) He upheld justice and fairness in his leadership (1 Samuel 7:15-17)

e) He was unwavering in his commitment to God’s will (1 Samuel 16:1)

6. WEAKNESSES OF SAMUEL

Although Samuel was a great man of God, he had some shortcomings.

a) He failed to discipline his sons properly (1 Samuel 8:1-3)

Like Eli, his sons were corrupt and unfit for leadership.

b) He struggled with Israel’s rejection of God as their king (1 Samuel 8:6-7)

He took the people's demand for a king personally.

c) He was reluctant to anoint David initially (1 Samuel 16:1-2)