OT Characters: Samuel

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Hebrew words:Shmu'el (Samuel) -- "Name of God," or "hear by God." Appears 144x in the Bible. (Numbers 34:20 refers to a different person.)'Even-ha'ezer (Ebenezer) -- Stone of help (1 Samuel 4:1, 5:1, 7:12).Further study:Passages covered in this podcast: 1 Samuel 2:26 (Luke 2:52); 3:7,21; 4:1; 7:3-4,15-16; 8-15; 16:1-7; 19; 2 Chronicles 35:18; 1 Samuel 25; 28; Jeremiah 15:1.Even more: Psalm 99:6; Acts 13:20; Hebrews 11:32.Samuel prophesied the Christ (Acts 3:24). How? Some commentators say this is because Samuel was the last judge and the first prophet. With him the prophetic age began. Moreover, as we saw, he established a prophetic academy (1 Sam 19). This is not to deny that the Spirit of God was moving prophetically through Abraham (Genesis 20:7 etc) and others.For more in connection with 1 Samuel 28, where Saul calls on Samuel in the grave, listen to What Happens After We Die?Some things we learn about God:We do not necessarily have to grow up in two-parent nuclear families in order to do well in life. God can still grant us a normal and productive life.There are times when the Lord expects us to accept a decision we know is not best must (as in 1 Samuel 8). We do not always get our way, even when we are rightEven spiritual men and women can fall into sentimentality towards others, failing to think realistically about where they are spiritually.  God challenges such sentimentality. We need to stay soft, kind, and hopeful -- yet realistic and firm on the word of God.For kids:Talk about being chosen – to play on a team, getting a part in a play, to receive a special reward. How does it feel to be chosen? How does it feel to be passer over?What qualities are people looking for when they choose someone to play ball, or act in a play, or be nominated for an honor?Do the people doing the choosing always make the right choice?Read the story of Samuel anointing David in 1 Samuel 16.Explain that Samuel had already anointed the first king, who was very tall – yet lacked spiritual quality.Saul did not do well, and Samuel was sad, but his sadness did not lead him to do anything. He was just down.When it comes time to choose the second king of Israel, does Samuel seem to have learned his lesson?How do we (as readers) feel when the little guy, the youngest kid, is the one chosen? Do you understand that it isn’t about how tall you are, or how impressive, but what’s in your heart? God will do great things with anyone whose heart is his.Just as Samuel was a young boy serving at the Tabernacle, and God did great things through his life, so it was with David. God can work with people of any age!Key verses:1 Samuel 2:26 – Spiritual growth in early life.1 Samuel 3:7,21 – Samuel comes to know the Lord through his word.1 Samuel 4:1 – And through Samuel, Israel learns the word of God.1 Samuel 7:16-- He didn’t expect everyone to come to him; he was willing to travel.Next lesson: Saul, the man Samuel appointed (anointed) to be king.