And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
Samuel judged Israel from childhood in his youth and continued as judge all the days of his life. His work began while he remained true to Heaven in the midst of evil, when God could no longer communicate with Eli and his sons because their sins like a thick cloud had shut out the presence of His Holy Spirit. God passed by His chosen servant, the man of hoary hairs whose eyes began to wax dim, and communed with the child, giving him the message of condemnation to the house of Eli as his commission as a prophet of the Most High. That passing by was itself a bitter yet deserved rebuke to Eli and his house. Eli felt no envy or jealousy but directed Samuel if called again to answer, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth, which Samuel answered in awe that the great God should speak to him.
God raised Samuel up to judge Israel and caused him to be honored by all the people. While God Himself was to be acknowledged as Israel's great Head, He designated rulers, imbued them with His Spirit, and communicated His will to them through His angels, that they might instruct the people. He also gave special evidences to the people by mighty works performed through His chosen rulers, that they might have confidence that He had invested them with authority which could not be lightly set aside. Samuel was divinely given the threefold office of judge, prophet, and priest.
He carried out his work righteously, impartially, faithfully, obediently, and devotedly, laboring with untiring and unselfish zeal for the welfare of his people. Under his wise control his lifelong government was the wisest and most successful Israel had known since the days of Joshua. The nation prospered, order was restored, godliness was promoted, and the spirit of discontent was checked for a time. Even after Saul became Israel's acknowledged king, Samuel's faithful, obedient, devoted life gave him greater influence than the king.
Each year he traveled to Mizpeh, Gilgal, and Ramah to administer justice, and at other times he carried out his duties at home in Ramah. When age made it necessary to share the judicial burden, he continued judging at Ramah while appointing his sons to judge at Bethel and Beersheba. Those who describe the appointment more particularly teach that, continuing his own duties at Ramah, he appointed his two sons as assistants stationed at Beersheba to administer justice among the people near the southern border. When he grew old his sons assisted him but acted dishonestly and favored the unrighteous for reward.
Samuel judged Israel from childhood in his youth and continued as judge all the days of his life. His work began while he remained true to Heaven in the midst of evil, when God could no longer communicate with Eli and his sons because their sins like a thick cloud had shut out the presence of His Holy Spirit. God passed by His chosen servant, the man of hoary hairs whose eyes began to wax dim, and communed with the child, giving him the message of condemnation to the house of Eli as his commission as a prophet of the Most High. That passing by was itself a bitter yet deserved rebuke to Eli and his house. Eli felt no envy or jealousy but directed Samuel if called again to answer, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth, which Samuel answered in awe that the great God should speak to him.
God raised Samuel up to judge Israel and caused him to be honored by all the people. While God Himself was to be acknowledged as Israel's great Head, He designated rulers, imbued them with His Spirit, and communicated His will to them through His angels, that they might instruct the people. He also gave special evidences to the people by mighty works performed through His chosen rulers, that they might have confidence that He had invested them with authority which could not be lightly set aside. Samuel was divinely given the threefold office of judge, prophet, and priest.
He carried out his work righteously, impartially, faithfully, obediently, and devotedly, laboring with untiring and unselfish zeal for the welfare of his people. Under his wise control his lifelong government was the wisest and most successful Israel had known since the days of Joshua. The nation prospered, order was restored, godliness was promoted, and the spirit of discontent was checked for a time. Even after Saul became Israel's acknowledged king, Samuel's faithful, obedient, devoted life gave him greater influence than the king.
Each year he traveled to Mizpeh, Gilgal, and Ramah to administer justice, and at other times he carried out his duties at home in Ramah. When age made it necessary to share the judicial burden, he continued judging at Ramah while appointing his sons to judge at Bethel and Beersheba. Those who describe the appointment more particularly teach that, continuing his own duties at Ramah, he appointed his two sons as assistants stationed at Beersheba to administer justice among the people near the southern border. When he grew old his sons assisted him but acted dishonestly and favored the unrighteous for reward.