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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Samuel the Seer</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/samuel_the_seer.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_samuel/1-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/samuel.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Samuel the Seer</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/samuel_the_prophet.htm" title="Samuel the Prophet">◄</a> Samuel the Seer <a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--a_judge_(leader)_of_israel,_his_judgment_seat_at_beth-el,_gilgal,_mizpeh,_and_ramah.htm" title="Samuel: A Judge (Leader) of Israel, his Judgment Seat at Beth-El, Gilgal, Mizpeh, and Ramah">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Samuel, often referred to as "the Seer," is a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, serving as a prophet, priest, and judge. His life and ministry are primarily chronicled in the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Samuel's role as a seer is significant, as he was instrumental in guiding Israel during a transitional period from the time of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.<br><br><b>Birth and Early Life</b><br><br>Samuel's account begins with his miraculous birth to Hannah, a devout woman who was initially barren. In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the LORD at the tabernacle in Shiloh, vowing that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the LORD's service all the days of his life (<a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a>). God answered her prayer, and she named her son Samuel, meaning "heard of God," acknowledging the divine response to her supplication (<a href="/1_samuel/1-20.htm">1 Samuel 1:20</a>).<br><br>After Samuel was weaned, Hannah fulfilled her vow by bringing him to Eli the priest at Shiloh, where he would serve before the LORD (<a href="/1_samuel/1-24.htm">1 Samuel 1:24-28</a>). Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD, and it was during this time that he received his first prophetic call.<br><br><b>Call to Prophetic Ministry</b><br><br>Samuel's call to be a prophet is a defining moment in his life. As a young boy, he heard the voice of the LORD calling him during the night. Initially mistaking it for Eli's voice, Samuel eventually responded to God's call with the guidance of Eli, saying, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (<a href="/1_samuel/3-10.htm">1 Samuel 3:10</a>). The LORD revealed to Samuel the impending judgment on Eli's house due to the sins of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas (<a href="/1_samuel/3-11.htm">1 Samuel 3:11-14</a>).<br><br>From that time forward, Samuel was recognized as a prophet of the LORD, and his words were established throughout Israel (<a href="/1_samuel/3-19.htm">1 Samuel 3:19-21</a>). His role as a seer was marked by his ability to receive and communicate divine revelations, guiding the nation according to God's will.<br><br><b>Leadership and Judgeship</b><br><br>Samuel's leadership extended beyond his prophetic ministry. He served as the last judge of Israel, leading the people in both spiritual and civil matters. Under his guidance, the Israelites experienced a period of repentance and revival. Samuel called the people to forsake their idolatry and return to the LORD with all their hearts (<a href="/1_samuel/7-3.htm">1 Samuel 7:3</a>). His intercession and leadership led to a significant victory over the Philistines at Mizpah, where he set up a stone named Ebenezer, meaning "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (<a href="/1_samuel/7-12.htm">1 Samuel 7:12</a>).<br><br><b>Anointing of Kings</b><br><br>One of Samuel's most notable contributions was his role in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. At the people's request for a king to lead them like other nations, Samuel sought the LORD's guidance. Despite his personal reservations, God instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel (<a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">1 Samuel 9:15-17, 10</a>:1). Samuel faithfully carried out this task, warning the people of the potential consequences of having a human king (<a href="/1_samuel/8-10.htm">1 Samuel 8:10-18</a>).<br><br>Later, when Saul disobeyed God's command, Samuel was sent to anoint David, the son of Jesse, as Saul's successor (<a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16:1-13</a>). This anointing marked the beginning of David's rise to prominence and the eventual establishment of his dynasty.<br><br><b>Legacy and Death</b><br><br>Samuel's influence continued throughout his life, and his legacy endured long after his death. He is remembered as a man of prayer, integrity, and unwavering commitment to God's purposes. His death was mourned by all of Israel, and he was buried in his hometown of Ramah (<a href="/1_samuel/25.htm">1 Samuel 25:1</a>).<br><br>In the New Testament, Samuel is mentioned in the book of Acts as part of the lineage of prophets who foretold the coming of Christ (<a href="/acts/3-24.htm">Acts 3:24</a>). His life and ministry serve as a testament to the power of faithful obedience and the impact of godly leadership in the history of God's people.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/samuel_the_prophet.htm">Samuel the Prophet</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--a_judge_(leader)_of_israel,_his_judgment_seat_at_beth-el,_gilgal,_mizpeh,_and_ramah.htm">Samuel: A Judge (Leader) of Israel, his Judgment Seat at Beth-El, Gilgal, Mizpeh, and Ramah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--a_prophet_of_the_israelites.htm">Samuel: A Prophet of the Israelites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--anoints_david_to_be_king.htm">Samuel: Anoints David to be King</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--anoints_saul_to_be_king_of_israel.htm">Samuel: Anoints Saul to be King of Israel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--blessed_of_god.htm">Samuel: Blessed of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--called_shemuel.htm">Samuel: Called Shemuel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--called_up_by_the_witch_of_endor.htm">Samuel: Called up by the Witch of Endor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--chronicles_of.htm">Samuel: Chronicles of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--consecrated_to_god_before_his_birth.htm">Samuel: Consecrated to God Before his Birth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--death_of;_the_lament_for_him.htm">Samuel: Death of; the Lament for Him</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--his_integrity_as_a_judge_and_ruler.htm">Samuel: His Integrity As a Judge and Ruler</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--his_mother's_song_of_thanksgiving.htm">Samuel: His Mother's Song of Thanksgiving</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--his_vision_concerning_the_house_of_eli.htm">Samuel: His Vision Concerning the House of Eli</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--israelites_repent_because_of_his_reproofs_and_warnings.htm">Samuel: Israelites Repent Because of his Reproofs and Warnings</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--makes_his_corrupt_sons_judges_in_israel.htm">Samuel: Makes his Corrupt Sons Judges in Israel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--ministered_in_the_house_of_god.htm">Samuel: Ministered in the House of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--miraculous_birth_of.htm">Samuel: Miraculous Birth of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--organizes_the_tabernacle_service.htm">Samuel: Organizes the Tabernacle Service</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--people_desire_a_king;_he_protests.htm">Samuel: People Desire a King; he Protests</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--renews_the_kingdom_of_saul.htm">Samuel: Renews the Kingdom of Saul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--reproves_saul;_foretells_that_his_kingdom_will_be_established.htm">Samuel: Reproves Saul; Foretells That his Kingdom Will be Established</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--shelters_david_while_escaping_from_saul.htm">Samuel: Shelters David While Escaping from Saul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--sons_of.htm">Samuel: Sons of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/samuel--the_philistines_defeated_through_his_intercession_and_sacrifices.htm">Samuel: The Philistines Defeated Through his Intercession and Sacrifices</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/statecraft--samuel.htm">Statecraft: Samuel</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/estate.htm">Estate (40 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