Bible Character Explorer
Period of the Judges • c. 1080 to 1004 BC
Samuel
The Last JudgeThe prayed-for child who became prophet, judge, and kingmaker for Israel
"Speak; for thy servant heareth."
1 Samuel 3:10 (KJV)
Overview
Samuel was given to Hannah in answer to prayer and dedicated to the Lord's service from early childhood at the tabernacle in Shiloh. He became the last of Israel's judges and the first of the great writing prophets, anointing both Saul and David as king and standing as the transitional figure between the period of the judges and the monarchy.
Gospel Connection
Samuel's role as prophet, priest-adjacent figure, and kingmaker anticipates the offices that meet perfectly in Jesus Christ, who is prophet, priest, and king in one person. Just as Samuel anointed the shepherd-king David whose throne would point to Christ, Samuel's ministry of hearing and faithfully speaking God's word models the perfect prophetic ministry fulfilled in Jesus, the Word made flesh.
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See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.
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