Samuel

Samuel was a boy who served God at the tabernacle in Shiloh during the late period of the Judges, around 1100 BCE. His mother, Hannah, had prayed for a child and promised to dedicate him to God’s service. After Samuel was born and old enough to leave her care, she brought him to Shiloh. There he lived and worked under Eli, the elderly priest. Hannah visited Samuel each year and brought him a new robe. Although Israel was living through a troubled time, God was preparing this faithful child to become a prophet and leader.

Samuel’s story is found in 1 Samuel, especially chapters 1 through 3. One night, while Samuel was lying down in the sanctuary, he heard someone call his name. He hurried to Eli, thinking the priest needed him. Eli said he had not called and sent Samuel back to bed. This happened three times. Then Eli understood that God was calling the boy. He told Samuel to listen and answer if the voice came again. God called once more, and Samuel listened. God gave him a serious message about Eli’s family because Eli’s sons had acted wickedly and dishonored their priestly work. Samuel was afraid to share the message, but Eli asked him to tell everything. Samuel spoke honestly, and Eli accepted that God’s judgment was right.

Samuel’s story reminds children that God notices young people and can give them important work. It also shows the value of listening, obeying, and telling the truth even when it feels difficult. Children today may not hear God call their names as Samuel did, but they can listen through Scripture, prayer, and wise adults who follow God. Shiloh stood in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Jerusalem, and it was Israel’s main place of worship before the temple was built. Samuel later became a respected prophet and judge. As told in 1 Samuel 8 through 16, he also anointed Saul as Israel’s first king and later anointed David, the shepherd boy who would become king.