Samuel
The prophet and judge who led Israel and anointed its first two kings, Saul and David.
At a glance
- Name
- Samuel
- Type
- Person
- Period
- Old Testament
- Appears in
- The books of Samuel
- First appearance
- 1 Samuel 1
- Known for
- The prophet who anointed Saul and David
Who is Samuel?
Samuel is born to Hannah, who had been childless and prayed for a son, and who gives him to serve at the sanctuary at Shiloh. As a boy he hears God calling him in the night, and he grows up recognized as a prophet.
Samuel leads Israel as its judge in a time before there is a king. When the people ask for a king so they can be like other nations, Samuel warns them what a king will demand, then anoints Saul at God's direction.
After Saul is rejected as king, Samuel anoints the young David in Saul's place. He remains a prophetic figure until his death, which Israel mourns.
Samuel in the Bible
The boy Samuel is called
Serving at the sanctuary, the boy Samuel hears God calling him in the night.
Read 1 Samuel 3 →Israel asks for a king
The people ask Samuel for a king, and he warns them what a king will demand.
Read 1 Samuel 8 →Samuel anoints David
God sends Samuel to Bethlehem, where he anoints the young David.
Read 1 Samuel 16 →People connected with Samuel
- anointed David Samuel anoints the young David as king at God's direction.
Key passages featuring Samuel
These are key passages, not a complete list of every appearance.