Samuel: Anointer of Kings

A Special Birth and Call

The son of Hannah who is supposedly barren

Hannah offers Samuel to God as a Nazirite Nazirite: means “consecrated” or

“separated: someone who take a vow to follow

the teachings of Numbers 6:1-21Samuel is left in the care of Eli

at the shrine at Shiloh

Samuel is raised with Eli’s 2 sons Samuel is faithful to God Eli’s sons behave sacrilegiously

While sleeping near the Ark of the Covenant, Samuel hears his name called

He goes to Eli but is told to go back to bed

Samuel is called twice more during the night

Eli realizes that God is calling Samuel and tells him to respond “Speak, for your servant is

listening” (1 Samuel 3:10)God warns Samuel that Eli’s

family will fallSamuel becomes well know as

a Prophet of God

The Cry for a King

As a priest and judge, Samuel led the Israelites for 20 years Led them away from false gods Promised victory over the Philistines if they remained

faithful Samuel’s sons were not meant to be judges so the

people called for Samuel to “appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations” (1 Samuel 8:5)

Samuel is displeased but God say that “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Samuel 8:7)

Samuel is told to warn the people about what it means to have a king: Can draft their sons as soldiers and

force them to work in the fields King will take 1/10 of their fields

and grain Basically, they will be slaves to

their king The people still want a king so

Samuel sets out to find one

Saul is Anointed

Samuel meets Saul, a farm worker, who is searching for his father’s donkeys Saul is tall and good looking

Saul is anointed and presented as king, but he tries to hide at the last minute

This theme is reflected in both the Old and New Testament. God chooses the lowliest and the

least, not just the wealthiest and most powerful.

An Unsuitable King

Saul quickly defeats the Ammonites in battle Samuel warns both the king and people that

continued success will only happen if they remain faithful to God

Saul soon disobeys God twice Offers a sacrifice before battle,

which is the priest’s role Fails to fulfill the ban against a

beaten enemy

Saul is shown to be weak Ruled by his anxieties Subject to peer pressure Doesn’t fully trust God or follow his commands

Samuel announces that Saul will be rejected by God as the king of Israel A more faithful, constant leader will be found