Samuel stands at a turning point in Israel's history. He was the last of the judges and one of the first great prophets, and he anointed Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. His story, told in 1 Samuel 1–25, begins with a mother's tearful prayer and ends with the whole nation mourning his death.
Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 1)
Samuel's story begins with his mother, Hannah. She was deeply loved by her husband Elkanah but had no children, and his other wife Peninnah mocked her. Each year the family went to worship at Shiloh, where the tabernacle stood.
One year Hannah prayed in deep distress, weeping silently. She vowed that if God gave her a son, she would give him back to the Lord all his life. Eli the priest thought she was drunk, but when she explained, he blessed her: "the God of Israel grant thee thy petition" (1:17).
God answered. Hannah gave birth to a son and named him Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked him of the LORD" (1:20). When he was weaned, she brought him to Shiloh to serve with Eli. Hannah's song of praise in 1 Samuel 2 celebrates a God who lifts up the humble — a song later echoed by Mary in Luke 1.
"Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3)
The young Samuel grew up serving in the tabernacle. Those were spiritually dry days: "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision" (3:1). Eli's own sons were corrupt priests.
One night, God called, "Samuel!" Samuel ran to Eli, thinking the old priest had called him. This happened three times, until Eli realised it was the Lord and told Samuel how to respond. When God called again, Samuel answered:
"Speak; for thy servant heareth." (1 Samuel 3:10, KJV)
God gave Samuel a hard message of judgement on Eli's house. From then on, "Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD" (3:19–20).
The ark is lost and returned (1 Samuel 4–7)
Israel's army, led by Eli's sons, took the ark of the covenant into battle against the Philistines as if it were a lucky charm. Israel was defeated, Eli's sons died, the ark was captured, and Eli died on hearing the news. The Philistines, however, suffered so much while holding the ark that they sent it back.
Years later, Samuel called Israel to repentance at Mizpah. When the Philistines attacked, God thundered against them and Israel won. Samuel set up a stone and called it Ebenezer, saying, "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us" (7:12).
Samuel as judge
Samuel travelled in a yearly circuit to Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah, judging Israel, and returned to his home at Ramah (7:15–17). He was known for his integrity — later he could challenge the whole nation to name anyone he had cheated, and no one could (12:3–5).
"Give us a king" (1 Samuel 8)
When Samuel was old, his own sons proved dishonest. The elders of Israel asked for a king "like all the nations". Samuel was displeased, but God told him, "they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them" (8:7). Samuel warned the people what a king would demand of them, but they insisted.
Anointing Saul and David
Samuel anointed Saul as Israel's first king (chapter 10). When Saul repeatedly disobeyed God, Samuel confronted him with the famous words, "to obey is better than sacrifice" (15:22). God then sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from Jesse's sons. When Samuel was impressed by the eldest, God said:
"Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature… for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV)
The chosen one was the youngest, a shepherd boy — David.
Samuel's death
"And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him" (25:1). He had served God faithfully from childhood to old age.
Lessons from Samuel's life
- Prayer matters — Samuel's life began with his mother's honest, desperate prayer.
- Listen to God — "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" is a model prayer for every believer.
- Integrity in leadership — Samuel's honesty earned the nation's trust.
- Obedience is better than ritual.
- God looks at the heart, not appearances.
Continue with King Saul: Israel's first king, or read about the historical books. The story of young Samuel is a favourite for children — browse our Kids Bibles.