Samuel (Bible)

Samuel (Hebrew: שְׁמוּאֵל, Standard "), Samuel had a high devotion to God, which was mutual. Classical Rabbinical literature adds that he was more than an equal to Moses, God speaking directly to Samuel, rather than Samuel having to attend the tabernacle to hear God. [Berakot 31b, Ta'anit 5b, Exodus Rashi 14:4] Samuel is also described by the Rabbis as having been extremely intelligent; he argued that it was legitimate for laymen to slaughter sacrifices, since the Halakha only insisted that the priests "bring the blood" (cf , Zebediah 32a).Berakot 31b] Eli, who was viewed negatively by many Classical Rabbis, is said to have reacted to this logic of Samuel by arguing that it was technically true, but Samuel should be put to death for making legal statements while Eli (his mentor) was present.

Samuel is also treated by the Classical Rabbis as a much more sympathetic character than he appears at face value in the Bible; his annual circuit is explained as being due to his wish to spare people the task of having to journey to him; Samuel is said to have been very rich, taking his entire household with him on the circuit so that he didn't need to impose himself on anyone's hospitality; when Saul fell out of God's favour, Samuel is described as having grieved copiously and having prematurely aged. [Berakot 10b, Nedarim 38a, Ta'anit 5b]

Christianity

On the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar, his feast day is August 20. He is commemorated as one of the Holy Forefathers in the Calendar of Saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church on July 30.

For Evangelical Christians he is considered to be a Prophet, Judge, and wise Leader of Israel. He is a great example of how commitments to the Lord are fulfilled.

Islam

In Islam, Samuel is regarded as a revered prophet who is mentioned in the Quran at Chapter 2 Verse 246: "Hast thou not turned thy vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? They said to a prophet (That was) among them: 'Appoint for us a King, that we May fight in the cause of God.' He said: 'Is it not possible, if ye were commanded to fight, that that ye will not fight?' They said: 'How could we refuse to fight in the cause of God, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?' But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But God has full knowledge of those who do wrong." The Quran refers to him as a knowledgeable prophet (as mentioned in the above verse) who holds an argument with the Israelites, who asked of him to appoint a king for them for they would otherwise fail to fight in the cause of God.

ee also

* Books of Samuel
* Book of Samuel the Seer
* List of names referring to El
* Biblical judges

References