(M14.11)
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Samuel
(fl. 11th C. BC)
Biographical
A prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, Samuel was born at Ramah and was
dedicated to the service of Yahweh at the sanctuary of Shiloh where his
youth was spent with Eli. Here he announced the impending fate of the
priesthood and gained reputation throughout Israel as a prophet. Best
known as 'king-maker', two distinct accounts are preserved of his share
in the institution of the monarchy. In one, the Philistines overthrow
Israel at Ebenezer near Aphek, Eli’s sons are slain, and the ark
is captured.
When Saul defeated the Amalekites, he spared Agag, their king, contrary
to the express injunction of the Lord's prophet. Samuel, when he heard
this, repaired to Saul, and after rebuking him for his disobedience, hewed
Agag in pieces as a just reward for his crimes, saying, 'As thy sword
hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women.'
After a period of oppression, Samuel suddenly reappears as a great religious
leader of Israel, summons the people to return to, Yahweh, and convenes
a national assembly at Mizpah. The Philistines are defeated at Ebenezer
(near Mizpah) through the direct interposition of Yahweh, and Samuel rules
peacefully as a theocratic judge. But in his old age the elders demand
a king, his sons are corrupt, a monarchy and a military leader are wanted.
The request for a monarchy is a deliberate offence against Yahweh, nevertheless,
an assembly is called, and the people are warned of the drawbacks of monarchical
institutions. At Mizpah, after another solemn warning, the sacred lot
is taken and falls upon Saul of Benjamin, who, however, is not at first
unanimously accepted. About a month later, Saul—with Samuel—leads
an army of Israel and Judah to deliver Jabesh-Gilead from the Ammonites,
and is now recognised as king. Samuel in a farewell address formally abdicates
his office, reviews the past history, and, after convincing the people
of the responsibility they had incurred in choosing a king, promises to
remain always their intercessor. So, according to one view, Samuel’s
death marks a vital change in the fortunes of Israel. But, according to
an earlier account, instead of a state of peace after the defeat of the
Philistines, the people groan under their yoke, and the position of Israel
moves Yahweh to pity. Samuel is a local seer consulted by Saul, and is
bidden by Yahweh to see in the youth the future ruler. Saul is privately
anointed and receives various signs as proof of his new destiny. Despite
the straitened circumstances of Israel, an army is mustered, a sudden
blow is struck at the Philistines, and, as before, supernatural assistance
is at hand. The Hebrews who had fled across the Jordan, or who had sought
refuge in caverns, or had joined the enemy, rallied together and a decisive
victory is obtained. That these two accounts are absolutely contradictory
is now generally recognised by Biblical scholars, and it is to the former
(and later) of them that the simple story of Samuel’s youth at Shiloh
will belong. Next we find that Samuel’s interest on behalf of the
Israelite king is transferred to David, the founder of the Judaean dynasty,
and it is his part to announce the rejection of Saul and Yahweh’s
new decision, to anoint the young David, and, as head of a small community
of prophets, to protect him from the hostility of Saul.
Place of death and burial: Ramah
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