Samuel in the Bible

Meaning: heard of God; asked of God

Exact Match

Of the tribe of the sons of Simeon, Samuel the son of Ammihud.

Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a leather bottle of wine [to pour over the burnt offering for a sweet fragrance], and she brought Samuel to the Lord’s house in Shiloh, although the child was young.

Verse ConceptsInfantsBottle, UsesWineWineskinChildren, Should Be TreatedLimitations Of YouthQuantities Of WineAnimals At Specific AgesEphah [Ten Omers]The House Of God At Shiloh

So the Lord graciously attended to Hannah, and she was able to conceive and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. The boy Samuel grew up at the Lord's sanctuary.

Verse ConceptsGrace, In OtGrowing UpThree ChildrenConceptionGod Visiting

Now the boy Samuel continued serving the Lord under Eli's supervision. Word from the Lord was rare in those days; revelatory visions were infrequent.

Verse ConceptsSpiritual Famine,Speech, DivineVisionsWord Of GodDecadenceNo VisionsReceiving God's Wordministering

and the lamp of God had not yet been extinguished. Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord as well; the ark of God was also there.

Verse ConceptsLampsArk Of The Covenant, Names ForThe Ark In The TempleLying Down To RestThe Temple At Shiloh

The Lord again called, "Samuel!" So Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But Eli said, "I didn't call you, my son. Go back and lie down."

Verse ConceptsCalling, Of IndividualsLying Down To RestBehold Me!Others Summoning

Then the Lord called Samuel a third time. So he got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me!" Eli then realized that it was the Lord who was calling the boy.

Verse ConceptsSensitivityCommunicating Three TimesBehold Me!Others SummoningGod's Call

So Eli said to Samuel, "Go back and lie down. When he calls you, say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." So Samuel went back and lay down in his place.

Verse ConceptsLying Down To RestPaying Attention To God

The Lord said to Samuel, "Look! I am about to do something in Israel; when anyone hears about it, both of his ears will tingle.

Verse ConceptsGroups TremblingTwo Of Body Parts

All Israel from Dan to Beer Sheba realized that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord.

Verse ConceptsNamed Prophets Of The Lord

Then the Lord again appeared in Shiloh, for it was in Shiloh that the Lord had revealed himself to Samuel through the word of the Lord.

Verse ConceptsAppearances Of God In OtGod Appearing

Samuel revealed the word of the Then the Israelites went out to fight the Philistines. They camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines camped at Aphek.

Verse ConceptsConfrontationFighting Enemies

Samuel said to all the people of Israel, "If you are really turning to the Lord with all your hearts, remove from among you the foreign gods and the images of Ashtoreth. Give your hearts to the Lord and serve only him. Then he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines."

Verse ConceptsConversion, nature ofCommitment, to Goddouble mindednessReformationSyncretismDivided HeartsUnquestioning ServiceReturning To GodWhole HeartednessIndividuals Saving OthersPutting Away Other GodsServing Asherah

After they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. They fasted on that day, and they confessed there, "We have sinned against the Lord." So Samuel led the people of Israel at Mizpah.

Verse ConceptsFasting, Practice OfAssemblyRepentance, Examples OfShrinesFasting, Accompanied ByReligious AwakeningsDrawing WaterPouring WaterJudging IsraelWe Have Sinned

On that day they fasted there and said, "We have sinned against the LORD." Then Samuel judged the Israelis at Mizpah. When the Philistines heard that the Israelis had gathered at Mizpah, the Philistine lords came up against Israel. When the Israelis heard this, they were afraid of the Philistines.

Verse ConceptsAttackingFear Of Enemies

The Israelites said to Samuel, "Keep crying out to the Lord our God so that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines!"

Verse ConceptsRescueUnceasingAlways PrayingIndividuals Saving OthersPray For Us

So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. Samuel cried out to the Lord on Israel's behalf, and the Lord answered him.

Verse ConceptsBurnt offeringLambsPrayer, Answers ToCrying To GodYoung AnimalGod AnsweredPray For Us

As Samuel was offering burnt offerings, the Philistines approached to do battle with Israel. But on that day the Lord thundered loudly against the Philistines. He caused them to panic, and they were defeated by Israel.

Verse ConceptsConfusion, Examples OfdefeatThunderAnger Of God, Examples OfGod OvercomingThunder Expressing God's Judgment

Samuel took a stone and placed it between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Up to here the Lord has helped us."

Verse ConceptsCeremoniesStonesMonumentsGod Helpshelphelping

So the Philistines were defeated; they did not invade Israel again. The hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

Verse ConceptsGod Opposing

The LORD continued to oppose the Philistines all during Samuel's life time. The towns that the Philistines had taken from Israel were returned to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel delivered their territory from Philistine control. There was also peace between Israel and the Amorites.

Verse ConceptsAmoritesCities In IsraelRestoring ThingsTime Of Peace

In his old age Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel.

So Samuel spoke all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king.

But the people refused to heed Samuel's warning. Instead they said, "No! There will be a king over us!

Verse ConceptsTheocracySelf Will

So Samuel listened to everything the people said and then reported it to the Lord.

Verse ConceptsGod Hearing

The Lord said to Samuel, "Do as they say and install a king over them." Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Each of you go back to his own city."

Verse ConceptsPay Attention To People!

So they went up to the town. As they were heading for the middle of the town, Samuel was coming in their direction to go up to the high place.

When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said, "Here is the man that I told you about! He will rule over my people."

Verse ConceptsCivil authoritiesChoices

As Saul approached Samuel in the middle of the gate, he said, "Please tell me where the seer's house is."

Verse ConceptsWhere Are Things?

Samuel replied to Saul, "I am the seer! Go up in front of me to the high place! Today you will eat with me and in the morning I will send you away. I will tell you everything that you are thinking.

Verse ConceptsMorningThis Is Me

Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the room and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited. There were about thirty people present.

Verse ConceptsThirtyGreat Individuals

Samuel said to the cook, "Give me the portion of meat that I gave to you -- the one I asked you to keep with you."

So the cook picked up the leg and brought it and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said, "What was kept is now set before you! Eat, for it has been kept for you for this meeting time, from the time I said, 'I have invited the people.'" So Saul ate with Samuel that day.

When they came down from the high place to the town, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof.

Verse ConceptsHousetopsRooftop

They got up at dawn and Samuel called to Saul on the roof, "Get up, so I can send you on your way." So Saul got up and the two of them -- he and Samuel -- went outside.

Verse ConceptsRising EarlyRooftopThose Who Rose EarlyGet Up!

While they were going down to the edge of town, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us." So he did. Samuel then said, "You remain here awhile, so I can inform you of God's message."

Verse ConceptsStillnessPeople Going Before

Then Samuel took a small container of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head. Samuel kissed him and said, "The Lord has chosen you to lead his people Israel! You will rule over the Lord's people and you will deliver them from the power of the enemies who surround them. This will be your sign that the Lord has chosen you as leader over his inheritance.

Verse ConceptsPeople KissingAnointing, Performed OnKingsKingship, HumanKissingLeaders, PoliticalOilRankKissesOlive OilThe Act Of AnointingAnointing KingsAnointing Oil

Saul's uncle asked him and his servant, "Where did you go?" Saul replied, "To look for the donkeys. But when we realized they were lost, we went to Samuel."

Verse ConceptsSeeking For Concrete ThingsWhere To?

Saul said to his uncle, "He assured us that the donkeys had been found." But Saul did not tell him what Samuel had said about the matter of kingship.

Verse ConceptsFinding ThingsThose Who Did Not Tell

Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot.

Then Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the one whom the Lord has chosen? Indeed, there is no one like him among all the people!" All the people shouted out, "Long live the king!"

Verse ConceptsVoicesGroups ShoutingUnique Individuals

Then Samuel talked to the people about how the kingship would work. He wrote it all down on a scroll and set it before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away to their homes.

Verse ConceptsExplanationsBooksBook of the Law

He took a pair of oxen and cut them up. Then he sent the pieces throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, who said, "Whoever does not go out after Saul and after Samuel should expect this to be done to his oxen!" Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they went out as one army.

Verse ConceptsGesturesHeraldKnivesAnimals Cut In PiecesUnified PeopleTerror Of God

And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.

Verse ConceptsApproval To Killsaul

Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.

Verse ConceptsRenewal

And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.

Verse ConceptsMaking Kings

Samuel said to them, “The Lord is a witness against you, and [Saul] His anointed is a witness this day that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they answered, “He is a witness.”

Verse ConceptsAppealing To GodThe Witness Of God

And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.

Verse ConceptsAaron, As High PriestPast, TheGod Appointing OthersGod Bringing Israel Out Of Egypt

And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.

Verse Conceptsenemies, of Israel and Judahenemies, of believersGod Saving From Enemies

And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.

Verse ConceptsCalling upon GodConfession, Examples OfAskingNot DyingAdding EvilDeath PreventedPray For Us

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

Verse ConceptsHeart, And Holy SpiritWhole HeartednessServingServing Godreassurance

And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.

Verse ConceptsWeeksSeven DaysPeople WaitingScattering FollowersWaiting For God's Timing

And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.

Verse ConceptsGreetingsSpoken Greetings

And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

Verse ConceptsWhat Do You Do?Scattering Followers

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

Verse ConceptsFools, Characteristics OfFolly, Examples Ofevil, believers' responses toStabilityThey Do Not Keep Commandssaul

And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men.

Verse ConceptsCensusSix To Seven HundredSix Hundred And Above

Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.

Verse ConceptsAnointing Kings

And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.

Verse ConceptsRising Early, Examples OfRising EarlyThose Who Rose Early

And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.

Verse ConceptsLying, Examples OfSalutationsI Keep The Commandmentssaul

And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

Verse ConceptsHearing Things

Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

Verse ConceptsTelling Of God

And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

Verse ConceptsHeadshipKingsSmallnessTimidityAnointing KingsI Am Unimportant

And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

Verse ConceptsAnnihilationExterminationWe Obey

And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Verse ConceptsConviction, Not Leading To RepentancePublic OpinionConfessionFear Of ManFearing Other PeopleWe Have Sinned

And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.

Verse ConceptsConsequences Of Forsaking GodNot With PeopleDeposingRejection

And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.

Verse ConceptsClothing

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

Verse ConceptsPredictionssaul

Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.

Verse ConceptsOptimismNot DyingDeath AvertedBitterness

And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.

Verse ConceptsDeath penaltySwordsPeople Cut In PiecesReasons For BarrennessKilling Kings

Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.

And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.

Verse ConceptsNot Seeing PeopleMourning In RegretRegrettingsaul

And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Verse ConceptsCivil authoritiesHornsLeaders, PoliticalMissionaries, Task OfRejection Of God, Results OfHorns Of AnimalsAnointing KingsGod Abandoning IndividualsBefore People ActMourning In RegretSaul And DavidRejectionLeadership Qualitiesgrievingsaul

And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.

Verse Conceptsdoubters

And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?

Verse ConceptsTownTremblingFear Of Individuals

He said, "Peace, I've come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." Samuel consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

Verse ConceptsHoliness, As Set Apart For God

Thematic Bible



Then he returned home to Ramah where he judged Israel. And in Ramah he built an altar to Jehovah.


The descendants of Elkanah: Amasai, Ahimoth,

the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,


Jehovah called Samuel. He answered: Here am I. He ran to Eli and said: Here I am. You called me? I did not call you, Eli replied. Go back to bed. So Samuel went back to bed. Jehovah called Samuel again. Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said: Here I am. You called me. Eli responded: I did not call you, son. Go back to bed. read more.
Samuel had no experience with Jehovah, because the word of Jehovah had not yet been revealed to him. Jehovah called Samuel a third time. Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said: Here I am. You called me! Eli realized (discerned) that Jehovah was calling the boy. Go, lie down, Eli told Samuel. When he calls you, say: Speak Jehovah I am listening. So Samuel went back to bed in his room. Jehovah came and stood there. He called as he had called the other times: Samuel! Samuel! Samuel replied: Speak! Your servant is listening.


The child Samuel grew both in stature and in goodness with Jehovah and also with men.

Jehovah came and stood there. He called as he had called the other times: Samuel! Samuel! Samuel replied: Speak! Your servant is listening.


The child Samuel grew both in stature and in goodness with Jehovah and also with men.


The sons did not follow their father's example but turned to dishonest ways of making money. They took bribes and denied people justice.


After she weaned him she took him to Shiloh. She also took a three-year-old bull, a bushel of flour, and a leather bag full of wine. She took Samuel, young as he was, to the Temple of Jehovah at Shiloh. First they slaughtered the bull. Then they took the child to Eli the priest. Hannah said to him: My lord. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to Jehovah. read more.
I asked him for this child. He gave me what I asked of him. So I am dedicating (giving) (granting) him to Jehovah. As long as he lives, he will belong to Jehovah. Then they worshiped Jehovah there.


Samuel served before Jehovah as a child girded with a linen ephod.


I am sorry that I made Saul king. He has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands. Samuel was angry. All night long he pleaded with Jehovah.

Morning, noon, and night I complain and murmur. He listens to my voice.

At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to you for your righteous ordinances.


Early the following morning he went off to find Saul. He heard that Saul had gone to the town of Carmel. There in Carmel he built a monument to himself. Then he went to Gilgal.


The sons did not follow their father's example but turned to dishonest ways of making money. They took bribes and denied people justice.


What did Jehovah tell you? He asked. Please do not hide it from me. May God strike you dead if you hide anything he told you from me.


Samuel judged Israel as long as he lived.


Samuel judged Israel as long as he lived.


The Israelites gathered at Mizpah. They drew some water, poured it out in front of Jehovah and fasted that day. They confessed: We have sinned against Jehovah. So Samuel judged Israel in Mizpah.

Samuel judged Israel as long as he lived. Every year he went around to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah in order to judge Israel in all those places. Then he returned home to Ramah where he judged Israel. And in Ramah he built an altar to Jehovah.


The people answered: You have not cheated us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from anyone.


All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew Samuel was Jehovah's appointed prophet.


Some of the plunder taken in battle they dedicated for the repair of the Temple of Jehovah. And everything dedicated by Samuel the seer and by Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner and Joab son of Zeruiah, and all the other dedicated things were in the care of Shelomith and his relatives.


Here I am! Testify against me before Jehovah and before his anointed one. Whose bull have I stolen? Whose donkey have I taken? Have I cheated anyone? Have I oppressed any? Have I ever taken a bribe? Tell me and I will make it right. The people answered: You have not cheated us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from anyone.


Samuel prayed. That same day Jehovah sent thunder and rain. Then all the people became afraid of Jehovah and of Samuel.


O Jehovah of Hosts: If you will truly notice the sorrow of your servant. Remember me. Do not turn away from me. If you will give me a son, then I will give him to you, Jehovah, all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.


The sons did not follow their father's example but turned to dishonest ways of making money. They took bribes and denied people justice.


Samuel killed a young lamb and burned it whole as a sacrifice to Jehovah. Then he prayed to Jehovah to help Israel. Jehovah answered his prayer. While Samuel was offering the burnt sacrifice, the Philistines moved forward to attack. Just then Jehovah thundered from heaven against them. They became completely confused and fled in panic.


I am sorry that I made Saul king. He has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands. Samuel was angry. All night long he pleaded with Jehovah.


Samuel killed a young lamb and burned it whole as a sacrifice to Jehovah. Then he prayed to Jehovah to help Israel. Jehovah answered his prayer.


Samuel called all the Israelites to meet at Mizpah. He told them: I will pray to Jehovah for you there.


All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew Samuel was Jehovah's appointed prophet.


All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew Samuel was Jehovah's appointed prophet.



All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew Samuel was Jehovah's appointed prophet.


I am sorry that I made Saul king. He has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands. Samuel was angry. All night long he pleaded with Jehovah.

Jehovah said to Samuel: How long will you mourn for Saul? After all I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Take oil in your vessel and go. I will send you to Jesse, the Beth-lehemite. I have a king from among his sons.

Samuel never saw Saul again until the day of his death. Samuel went into mourning for Saul. It was no longer Jehovah's pleasure for Saul to be king over Israel.

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah by no longer praying for you. Instead, I will teach you what is good and right for you to do.


But Samuel said: As your sword made women childless, so your mother will be made childless among women. Samuel cut Agag in pieces in the presence of Jehovah at Gilgal.


You did a foolish thing, Samuel told Saul. You did not follow the command of Jehovah your God. If you had, Jehovah would have established your kingdom over Israel from generation to generation (for a very long time).


The people of Kiriath Jearim got the Ark and took it to Abinadab's house on a hill in their town. His son Eleazar took care of it. It stayed there for twenty years. During this this long period of time everyone in Israel was very sad and begged Jehovah for help. Samuel told the entire nation of Israel: If you return to Jehovah with all your hearts you must get rid of the foreign gods you have, including the statues of the goddess Astarte. You must dedicate your lives to Jehovah and serve him only. Then he will rescue you from the Philistines. read more.
So the Israelites got rid of their idols of Baal and Astarte. They worshiped only Jehovah. Samuel called all the Israelites to meet at Mizpah. He told them: I will pray to Jehovah for you there. The Israelites gathered at Mizpah. They drew some water, poured it out in front of Jehovah and fasted that day. They confessed: We have sinned against Jehovah. So Samuel judged Israel in Mizpah.


Early the following morning he went off to find Saul. He heard that Saul had gone to the town of Carmel. There in Carmel he built a monument to himself. Then he went to Gilgal.


Here I am! Testify against me before Jehovah and before his anointed one. Whose bull have I stolen? Whose donkey have I taken? Have I cheated anyone? Have I oppressed any? Have I ever taken a bribe? Tell me and I will make it right. The people answered: You have not cheated us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from anyone.


It is the dry season and the wheat harvest. I will pray and Jehovah will send thunder and rain. When this happens, you will realize that you committed a great sin against Jehovah when you asked him for a king.

I am sorry that I made Saul king. He has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands. Samuel was angry. All night long he pleaded with Jehovah.

Samuel called all the Israelites to meet at Mizpah. He told them: I will pray to Jehovah for you there. The Israelites gathered at Mizpah. They drew some water, poured it out in front of Jehovah and fasted that day. They confessed: We have sinned against Jehovah. So Samuel judged Israel in Mizpah. The Philistines heard that the Israelites gathered at Mizpah. So the Philistine rulers came to attack Israel. The Israelites heard about the Philistine plan and were afraid of them. read more.
The Israelites said to Samuel: Do not stop crying to Jehovah our God for us! Ask him to deliver us from the Philistines!

Samuel was upset to hear the leaders say they wanted a king. So he prayed about it.


Samuel grew up. Jehovah was with him and did not let any of his words go unfulfilled (fail).

Jehovah answered: Do what they want. Give them a king. Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go back home.

Jehovah continued to appear in Shiloh, since Jehovah revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh through the word of Jehovah. And Samuel spoke to all Israel.


Moses and Aaron were among his priests. Samuel was among those who called on his name. They called upon Jehovah and he answered them.

What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

Jehovah said to me: I would not feel sorry for these people, even if Moses and Samuel were standing in front of me. Send them away from my presence, and let them go.

Samuel said to all Israel: I listened to everything you said to me and established a king over you. Now you have a king as your leader. I am old and gray and my sons are with you. I walked before you (served as your leader) from childhood until this day. Here I am! Testify against me before Jehovah and before his anointed one. Whose bull have I stolen? Whose donkey have I taken? Have I cheated anyone? Have I oppressed any? Have I ever taken a bribe? Tell me and I will make it right. read more.
The people answered: You have not cheated us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from anyone. Samuel replied: Jehovah and the king he has chosen are witnesses today that you have found me to be completely innocent. They answered: That is right, Jehovah is our witness!


You did a foolish thing, Samuel told Saul. You did not follow the command of Jehovah your God. If you had, Jehovah would have established your kingdom over Israel from generation to generation (for a very long time).

Be quiet, Samuel told Saul, Let me tell you what Jehovah told me last night. Speak, Saul replied. Samuel said to Saul: You are little in your own eyes. Even though you are a leader of all of the tribes of Israel that Jehovah anointed king over Israel. Jehovah sent you on a mission. He said: Go and destroy those sinners, the Amalekites. Fight against them until every one is dead. read more.
Why then did you not obey the voice of Jehovah? Why did you pounce on the plunder? Why did you do evil in the sight of Jehovah? Then Saul said to Samuel: I did obey the voice of Jehovah. I went on the mission Jehovah sent me. I brought back Agag the king of Amalek. I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. The people took from the plunder of the flock the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to Jehovah your God in Gilgal. Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams. The sin of divination is rebellion. Wickedness and idolatry are arrogance. They are evil. Because you rejected the word of Jehovah, he rejects you as king. Then Saul told Samuel: I have sinned by not following Jehovah's command or your instructions. I was afraid of the people and listened to them. But now I beg you, forgive my sin and return with me, so that I can worship Jehovah. I will not return with you, Samuel answered. You rejected Jehovah's command. He has rejected you as king of Israel. Samuel turned to leave, but Saul caught hold of his cloak, and it tore. Samuel said to him: Jehovah has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today. He gave it to someone who is a better man than you. The Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind. He is not a mortal who changes his mind.


Altogether, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered two hundred and twelve. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had assigned the gatekeepers to their positions of trust.

The Passover had not been celebrated like this since the days of the prophet Samuel. None of the former kings had ever celebrated a Passover like this one celebrated by King Josiah, the priests, the Levites, and the people of Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem

And everything dedicated by Samuel the seer and by Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner and Joab son of Zeruiah, and all the other dedicated things were in the care of Shelomith and his relatives.


O Jehovah of Hosts: If you will truly notice the sorrow of your servant. Remember me. Do not turn away from me. If you will give me a son, then I will give him to you, Jehovah, all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.

This time Hannah did not go. She told her husband: As soon as the child is weaned, I will take him to the Temple of Jehovah, where he will stay all his life.

After she weaned him she took him to Shiloh. She also took a three-year-old bull, a bushel of flour, and a leather bag full of wine. She took Samuel, young as he was, to the Temple of Jehovah at Shiloh. First they slaughtered the bull. Then they took the child to Eli the priest. Hannah said to him: My lord. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to Jehovah. read more.
I asked him for this child. He gave me what I asked of him. So I am dedicating (giving) (granting) him to Jehovah. As long as he lives, he will belong to Jehovah. Then they worshiped Jehovah there.


After she weaned him she took him to Shiloh. She also took a three-year-old bull, a bushel of flour, and a leather bag full of wine. She took Samuel, young as he was, to the Temple of Jehovah at Shiloh. First they slaughtered the bull. Then they took the child to Eli the priest. Hannah said to him: My lord. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to Jehovah. read more.
I asked him for this child. He gave me what I asked of him. So I am dedicating (giving) (granting) him to Jehovah. As long as he lives, he will belong to Jehovah. Then they worshiped Jehovah there.


Samuel asked: What have you done? Saul replied: I saw the troops were scattering. You did not come when you said you would and the Philistines were assembling at Michmash. So I thought the Philistines will come against me at Gilgal. I have not sought Jehovah's favor. I felt pressured into sacrificing the burnt offering. You did a foolish thing, Samuel told Saul. You did not follow the command of Jehovah your God. If you had, Jehovah would have established your kingdom over Israel from generation to generation (for a very long time). read more.
Your kingdom will not last. Jehovah searched for a man after his own heart. Jehovah appointed him as ruler of his people. This is because you did not follow the command of Jehovah. Samuel left Gilgal. The rest of the people followed Saul to meet the soldiers. They went from Gilgal to Gibeah in Benjamin. Saul counted the troops who were still with him. There were about six hundred men.


All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew Samuel was Jehovah's appointed prophet. Jehovah continued to appear in Shiloh, since Jehovah revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh through the word of Jehovah. And Samuel spoke to all Israel.

Samuels words came to all Israel. Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They camped near Ebenezer while the Philistines camped at Aphek.


When the boy Samuel was serving Jehovah under the direction of Eli, there were very few messages from Jehovah. Visions from him were rare. Eli was lying down in his usual place. His eyes became dim and he could not see. The lamp of God went out in the Temple of Jehovah. Samuel was lying down where the Ark of God was. read more.
Jehovah called Samuel. He answered: Here am I. He ran to Eli and said: Here I am. You called me? I did not call you, Eli replied. Go back to bed. So Samuel went back to bed. Jehovah called Samuel again. Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said: Here I am. You called me. Eli responded: I did not call you, son. Go back to bed. Samuel had no experience with Jehovah, because the word of Jehovah had not yet been revealed to him. Jehovah called Samuel a third time. Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said: Here I am. You called me! Eli realized (discerned) that Jehovah was calling the boy. Go, lie down, Eli told Samuel. When he calls you, say: Speak Jehovah I am listening. So Samuel went back to bed in his room. Jehovah came and stood there. He called as he had called the other times: Samuel! Samuel! Samuel replied: Speak! Your servant is listening. Jehovah said to Samuel: I will do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears it tingle. On that day I am going to do to Eli and his family everything I said from beginning to end. I told him I would hand down a long lasting judgment against his household because he knew about his sons' sin. They were cursing God but he did not restrain them. I have taken an oath concerning Eli's family line. No offering or sacrifice will ever be able to make peace for the sins that Eli's family committed. Samuel remained in bed until morning. Then he opened the doors of Jehovah's house. But Samuel was afraid to tell Eli about the vision. Eli called Samuel and said: Samuel, my son. Here I am, he responded. What did Jehovah tell you? He asked. Please do not hide it from me. May God strike you dead if you hide anything he told you from me. Then Samuel told Eli everything. Eli replied: He is Jehovah! He will do what he thinks is right.


He raises the poor from the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill to set them among the princes. He causes them to inherit a throne of glory (honor). The pillars of the earth are Jehovah's. He sets the world on them. He guards the feet of his holy ones. The wicked are silenced in darkness. Man will not prevail by strength. The adversaries of Jehovah will be broken to pieces. He thunders in the heavens against them. Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn (power) of His anointed. read more.
Elkanah went home to Ramah. The child served Jehovah before Eli the priest. The sons of Eli were corrupt. They did not know Jehovah. The priests had a custom with the people. If any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came while the flesh was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in his hand. He stuck it into the pan, kettle, caldron or pot. All that the flesh-hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites that came there. Before they burned the fat the priest's servant came and said to the man who sacrificed: Give flesh to roast for the priest. For he will not have boiled flesh from you, but raw! If any man said to him: Let them burn the fat first, you may take as much as you desire. Then he would answer him, No! But you will give it now! If not, I will take it by force. The sin of the young men was very great before Jehovah. For men despised the offering of Jehovah. Samuel served before Jehovah as a child girded with a linen ephod. His mother made him a little robe. She brought it to him when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said: May Jehovah give you children from this woman for the loan made to Jehovah. They returned to their home. Jehovah visited Hannah so that she conceived. She bore three sons and two daughters. At the same time the child Samuel grew before Jehovah.


Here I am! Testify against me before Jehovah and before his anointed one. Whose bull have I stolen? Whose donkey have I taken? Have I cheated anyone? Have I oppressed any? Have I ever taken a bribe? Tell me and I will make it right. The people answered: You have not cheated us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from anyone.


Elkanah went home to Ramah. The child served Jehovah before Eli the priest.

Samuel served before Jehovah as a child girded with a linen ephod. His mother made him a little robe. She brought it to him when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.


Samuel grew up. Jehovah was with him and did not let any of his words go unfulfilled (fail).

Jehovah visited Hannah so that she conceived. She bore three sons and two daughters. At the same time the child Samuel grew before Jehovah.


The child Samuel grew both in stature and in goodness with Jehovah and also with men.


Every year he went around to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah in order to judge Israel in all those places.


The people asked Samuel: Who said: 'Saul should not rule us?' Let us have them, and we will kill them.' Saul said: No man is to be put to death today, for today Jehovah has saved Israel. Then Samuel said to the people: Come to Gilgal. Let us make the kingdom strong in the hands of Saul. read more.
So all the people went to Gilgal. In Gilgal they made Saul king before Jehovah. Peace offerings were offered before Jehovah. Saul and all the men of Israel were glad with great joy.


After Samuel died all the Israelites mourned for him. They buried him in his hometown of Ramah. Saul forced all the fortunetellers and mediums to leave Israel. The Philistine troops assembled and camped near the town of Shunem. Saul gathered the Israelites and camped at Mount Gilboa. Saul was terrified when he saw the Philistine army. read more.
So he asked Jehovah what to do. But Jehovah did not answer him. He did not answer by dreams or by the use of Urim and Thummim or by prophets. Saul ordered his officials: Find me a woman who is a medium. I will go and consult her. There is one in Endor, they answered. Saul disguised himself. He put on different clothes. After dark he went with two of his men to see the woman. Consult the spirits for me and tell me what is going to happen, he said to her: Call up the spirit of the man I name. The woman answered: You know what King Saul has done? He forced the fortunetellers and mediums to leave Israel. Are you trying to trap me and get me killed? Saul made a sacred vow. By the living God Jehovah I promise that you will not be punished for doing this, he told her. Whom shall I call up for you? The woman asked. Samuel, he answered. The woman saw Samuel. She screamed and said to Saul, Why have you tricked me? You are King Saul! Do not be afraid! The king said to her. What do you see? She answered: I see a spirit coming up from the earth. The spirit, what does it look like? He asked. It is an old man, she answered. He wears a cloak. Saul knew it was Samuel. So he bowed to the ground in respect. Samuel said to Saul: Why have you disturbed me? Why did you make me come back? Saul answered: I am in great trouble! The Philistines are at war with me. God has abandoned me. He does not answer me any more by prophets or by dreams. Please tell me what to do. Samuel said: Why do you call me when Jehovah has abandoned you and become your enemy? Jehovah did to you what he told you through me. He took the kingdom away from you and gave it to David instead. You disobeyed Jehovah's command and did not completely destroy the Amalekites. That is why Jehovah is doing this to you. He will give you and Israel over to the Philistines. Tomorrow you and your sons will join me. Jehovah will also give the army of Israel over to the Philistines. At once Saul fell down and lay stretched out on the ground. He was terrified by what Samuel said. He was weak because he had not eaten anything all day and all night.


The sons of Samuel: Joel the firstborn and Abijah the second son.

Here are the men who served, together with their sons: From the Kohathites: Heman, the musician, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,


Samuel judged Israel as long as he lived. Every year he went around to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah in order to judge Israel in all those places. Then he returned home to Ramah where he judged Israel. And in Ramah he built an altar to Jehovah.


The Philistines heard that the Israelites gathered at Mizpah. So the Philistine rulers came to attack Israel. The Israelites heard about the Philistine plan and were afraid of them. The Israelites said to Samuel: Do not stop crying to Jehovah our God for us! Ask him to deliver us from the Philistines! Samuel killed a young lamb and burned it whole as a sacrifice to Jehovah. Then he prayed to Jehovah to help Israel. Jehovah answered his prayer. read more.
While Samuel was offering the burnt sacrifice, the Philistines moved forward to attack. Just then Jehovah thundered from heaven against them. They became completely confused and fled in panic. The Israelites marched out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and drove them back as far as Bethcar. They killed them along the way. Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He said: Jehovah helped us all the way. He named it: Stone of Help. The Philistines were defeated. Jehovah prevented them from invading Israel's territory as long as Samuel lived. The cities between Ekron and Gath that the Philistines took from Israel were returned to Israel. Israel recovered the territory controlled by these cities from the Philistines. There was also peace between Israel and the Amorites.


When the boy Samuel was serving Jehovah under the direction of Eli, there were very few messages from Jehovah. Visions from him were rare. Eli was lying down in his usual place. His eyes became dim and he could not see. The lamp of God went out in the Temple of Jehovah. Samuel was lying down where the Ark of God was. read more.
Jehovah called Samuel. He answered: Here am I. He ran to Eli and said: Here I am. You called me? I did not call you, Eli replied. Go back to bed. So Samuel went back to bed. Jehovah called Samuel again. Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said: Here I am. You called me. Eli responded: I did not call you, son. Go back to bed. Samuel had no experience with Jehovah, because the word of Jehovah had not yet been revealed to him. Jehovah called Samuel a third time. Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said: Here I am. You called me! Eli realized (discerned) that Jehovah was calling the boy. Go, lie down, Eli told Samuel. When he calls you, say: Speak Jehovah I am listening. So Samuel went back to bed in his room. Jehovah came and stood there. He called as he had called the other times: Samuel! Samuel! Samuel replied: Speak! Your servant is listening. Jehovah said to Samuel: I will do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears it tingle. On that day I am going to do to Eli and his family everything I said from beginning to end. I told him I would hand down a long lasting judgment against his household because he knew about his sons' sin. They were cursing God but he did not restrain them. I have taken an oath concerning Eli's family line. No offering or sacrifice will ever be able to make peace for the sins that Eli's family committed. Samuel remained in bed until morning. Then he opened the doors of Jehovah's house. But Samuel was afraid to tell Eli about the vision. Eli called Samuel and said: Samuel, my son. Here I am, he responded. What did Jehovah tell you? He asked. Please do not hide it from me. May God strike you dead if you hide anything he told you from me. Then Samuel told Eli everything. Eli replied: He is Jehovah! He will do what he thinks is right.


Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in Jehovah. My horn (strength) (power) is exalted in Jehovah. I speak against (mock) my enemies because I rejoice in your salvation. No one is as holy as Jehovah. There is none beside you. Neither is there any rock like our God. Boast no more so proudly. Remove arrogance from your mouth. Jehovah is a God of knowledge, and he measures his actions (deeds). read more.
The bows of the mighty are broken. Those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for food. The hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven. She who has had many sons has languished. Jehovah kills and makes alive. He brings down to the grave and brings up. Jehovah takes away and He gives riches. He brings low and lifts up high. He raises the poor from the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill to set them among the princes. He causes them to inherit a throne of glory (honor). The pillars of the earth are Jehovah's. He sets the world on them. He guards the feet of his holy ones. The wicked are silenced in darkness. Man will not prevail by strength. The adversaries of Jehovah will be broken to pieces. He thunders in the heavens against them. Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn (power) of His anointed.


One day the nation's elders came to Samuel at Ramah. They said: You are an old man. You set a good example for your sons. But they have not followed it. Now we want a king to be our leader like all the other nations. Choose one for us! Samuel was upset to hear the leaders say they wanted a king. So he prayed about it. read more.
Jehovah answered: Samuel, do everything they want you to do. I am really the one they have rejected as their king. Ever since the day I rescued my people from Egypt, they have turned from me to worship idols. Now they are turning away from you. Listen to them. But be sure to warn them and tell them about the behavior and rights of a king who rules over them. Then Samuel told the people who had asked him for a king everything Jehovah said. Samuel said: These are the rights of a king: He will draft your sons and make them serve on his chariots and horses, and make them run ahead of his chariots. He will appoint them to be his officers over one thousand or over fifty soldiers. He will have them plow his ground and harvest his crops. He will require them to make weapons and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters from you and force them to make perfumes, cook, and bake. He will take away the best of your fields, vineyards, and olive orchards and give them to his officials. He will take a tenth of your grain and wine and give it to his aids and officials. He will confiscate your male and female slaves, your best cattle, and your donkeys for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks. In addition, you will be his servants. You will cry out because of the king whom you have chosen for yourselves. Jehovah will not answer you when that day comes. But the people refused to listen to Samuel. They said: We want a king! We want to be like other nations, with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles. Samuel listened to everything they said. Then he repeated it to Jehovah. Jehovah answered: Do what they want. Give them a king. Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go back home.


Year after year when Peninnah went to the Temple of Jehovah, she kept on provoking Hannah. It bothered Hannah so much she wept and did not eat. Her husband Elkanah said to her: Hannah, why are you weeping? Why are you not eating? Why is your heart troubled? Am I not more to you than ten sons? So after they finished eating and drinking in Shiloh Hannah got up. The priest Eli sat by the pillars near the door in the Temple of Jehovah. read more.
Hannah was filled with grief and wept bitterly. She prayed and pledged an oath to Jehovah: O Jehovah of Hosts: If you will truly notice the sorrow of your servant. Remember me. Do not turn away from me. If you will give me a son, then I will give him to you, Jehovah, all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut. Hannah prayed to Jehovah for a long time. Eli watched her lips. She prayed silently. Her lips were moving, but she made no sound. So Eli thought that she was drunk. He said to her: Stop making a drunken show of yourself! Stop your drinking and sober up! No, I am not drunk, she answered. I have not been drinking! I am desperate. I have prayed and poured out my troubles to Jehovah. Do not consider your maidservant a worthless woman. I pray like this because I am miserable and filled with grief. Eli answered: Go in peace. May the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him. Let your maidservant find favor in your sight, she replied. Then she went away, ate some food, and was no longer sad (self-concerned). The next morning Elkanah and his family got up early. After worshiping Jehovah, they went back home to Ramah. Elkanah had intercourse with his wife Hannah and Jehovah answered her prayer. So it was that she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel. She explained: I asked Jehovah for him.


So the Israelites got rid of their idols of Baal and Astarte. They worshiped only Jehovah. Samuel called all the Israelites to meet at Mizpah. He told them: I will pray to Jehovah for you there. The Israelites gathered at Mizpah. They drew some water, poured it out in front of Jehovah and fasted that day. They confessed: We have sinned against Jehovah. So Samuel judged Israel in Mizpah.


When Samuel was old, he appointed his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel. He named his second son Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. The sons did not follow their father's example but turned to dishonest ways of making money. They took bribes and denied people justice.


David escaped to Samuel at Ramah. He told him all that Saul had done to him. He and Samuel stayed in Naioth.


The history of King David from beginning to end is recorded in the records of the three prophets, Samuel, Nathan, and Gad.


Saul told his servant: That is a good idea! Come on let us go. They went to the city where the man of God was.


Samuel died. All Israel gathered to mourn him. They buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David went to the desert of Paran.


Here are the men who served, together with their sons: From the Kohathites: Heman, the musician, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,



I am sorry that I made Saul king. He has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands. Samuel was angry. All night long he pleaded with Jehovah.


The people asked Samuel: Who said: 'Saul should not rule us?' Let us have them, and we will kill them.' Saul said: No man is to be put to death today, for today Jehovah has saved Israel. Then Samuel said to the people: Come to Gilgal. Let us make the kingdom strong in the hands of Saul. read more.
So all the people went to Gilgal. In Gilgal they made Saul king before Jehovah. Peace offerings were offered before Jehovah. Saul and all the men of Israel were glad with great joy.


The child Samuel grew both in stature and in goodness with Jehovah and also with men.


The child Samuel grew both in stature and in goodness with Jehovah and also with men.

When the boy Samuel was serving Jehovah under the direction of Eli, there were very few messages from Jehovah. Visions from him were rare.