Prophet · Judge · Old Testament
The Story of Samuel
Also: Samweli (Kiswahili)
Prophet and last judge of Israel, who anointed Saul and David as kings.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Samuel was born in answer to Hannah's prayer and grew up serving the LORD under Eli at Shiloh, where the LORD called him by name. 1 Samuel 1:201 Samuel 3:1–10
All Israel recognized him as a prophet. He judged Israel, and when the people asked for a king he anointed Saul, and later David. 1 Samuel 3:19–201 Samuel 7:151 Samuel 10:11 Samuel 16:13
Told in: 1 Samuel
Life at a glance
- Parents
- Elkanah and Hannah 1 Samuel 1:19–20
- Roles
- Prophet and judge 1 Samuel 3:201 Samuel 7:15
- Home
- Ramah 1 Samuel 7:17
- Death
- Mourned by all Israel and buried in Ramah 1 Samuel 25:1
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Samuel
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Birth and dedication
Samuel is born to Hannah and given to serve the LORD under Eli.
The LORD calls Samuel
The LORD calls the boy Samuel at night; on Eli's advice he answers, Speak, for your servant hears.
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Places named: Shiloh
Judge at Mizpah
Samuel calls Israel to return to the LORD; the Philistines are routed, and Samuel sets up the Ebenezer stone. He judges Israel all his life.
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Places named: Mizpah, Ramah
The demand for a king and Saul's anointing
1 Samuel 8:1–22 · 1 Samuel 9:15–27 · 1 Samuel 10:1
Israel asks for a king; the LORD tells Samuel to listen to them. Samuel anoints Saul and presents him to the people.
Samuel's farewell address
Samuel reminds Israel of the LORD's deeds and promises to keep praying for them.
The LORD rejects Saul
1 Samuel 13:8–14 · 1 Samuel 15:10–35
When Saul disobeys, Samuel tells him that to obey is better than sacrifice and that the LORD has rejected him as king.
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People: Saul
Anoints David
Sent to Jesse in Bethlehem, Samuel anoints the youngest son, David; the LORD looks on the heart.
Death of Samuel
Samuel dies; all Israel mourns him and buries him at Ramah.
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Supporting passage: 1 Samuel 28:3
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Samuel. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollection
Direct reference
- 1 Samuel 28:11–19 — Saul seeks Samuel through the medium at Endor.
Family and relationships
- HannahMother1 Samuel 1:20
- EliPriest who raised him1 Samuel 2:111 Samuel 3:1
- SaulAnointed and later rebuked him1 Samuel 10:11 Samuel 15:26
- DavidAnointed him1 Samuel 16:13
Books associated with Samuel
- 1 Samuel Main narrative figure
- 1 Samuel Book named after them
1 and 2 Samuel are named after him, but Samuel's death is recorded in 1 Samuel 25, so the books do not present him as their author; the author is not named.
- 2 Samuel Book named after them
Named after Samuel; he does not appear in 2 Samuel.
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.
PrayerObedienceCalling
- What does 1 Samuel 16:7 say the LORD looks at?
- What does Samuel say about obedience in 1 Samuel 15:22?
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