Samuel, a man of God full of tender mercy, wept for Saul when he was rejected by the Lord, mourning for him the whole night long. He lived a blameless life for almost a century, becoming an example of a God-pleasing existence before passing away in the eleventh century BC. Some attribute authorship of the Books of Judges, Ruth, and the first twenty-four chapters of the First Book of Kings to him.
Samuel, the fifteenth and last judge of Israel, was born in Ramatha to Elkanah and Hannah of the tribe of Levi. Dedicated to God by his mother at a young age, Samuel received a revelation from God in his twelfth year regarding the punishment that awaited the house of the high priest Eli. After the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant was captured, Samuel led the people to repentance and liberation from their enemies with God’s help. He served as a prophet, priest, and judge until old age, when the people requested a king. Despite Samuel’s warnings, Saul was anointed king but later rejected by God for his disobedience. David was then anointed as king in Saul’s place.
Before his death, Samuel bid farewell to the people of Israel, who mourned his passing and buried him honorably in Ramatha. His life was marked by faithful service to God and his people, leaving a lasting legacy of righteousness and leadership.