Judge · Old Testament
The Story of Joel son of Samuel
Not the prophet Joel son of Pethuel.
Samuel's firstborn, appointed judge at Beersheba, who took bribes and perverted justice.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
When Samuel was old he made his sons judges over Israel. Joel, the firstborn, and Abijah judged in Beersheba, but they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes and perverted justice. 1 Samuel 8:1–3
Their conduct led the elders of Israel to ask Samuel for a king. 1 Chronicles names Heman the singer as Joel's son. 1 Samuel 8:4–51 Chronicles 6:33
Told in: 1 Samuel
Life at a glance
- Father
- Samuel 1 Samuel 8:2
- Brother
- Abijah 1 Samuel 8:2
- Son
- Heman the singer 1 Chronicles 6:33
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Joel son of Samuel
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Appointed judge at Beersheba
Samuel makes Joel and Abijah judges; they take bribes.
The people ask for a king
The elders point to Samuel's sons and ask for a king.
Family and relationships
- SamuelFather1 Samuel 8:2
- Abijah son of SamuelBrother1 Samuel 8:2
Family tree and genealogy
- Parents
- Samuel (father)
- Children
- Heman (son)
- Brothers and sisters
- Abijah son of Samuel (brother)
Each relationship links to its passage in the family tree.
Books associated with Joel son of Samuel
- 1 Samuel Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- How did the conduct of Samuel's sons affect Israel's request in 1 Samuel 8:5?
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