S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Samuel, whose name means "name of God," was dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, as part of a Nazirite vow she made before he was born (1 Samuel 1:11). After Samuel was weaned at the age of four...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Grant Abbott Supporter Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

How well did Samuel train his sons to know and follow the ways of the Lord? How well did he prepare them to be the next generation of Israel’s leaders?

I think Samuel was overwhelmed with the task of being Israel’s leader that he had no time to train his sons.

Here is what we learn from Scripture:
1 Samuel 7:15 to 8:5
Samuel continued as Israel’s leader all the days of his life. From year to year he went on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all those places. But he always went back to Ramah, where his home was, and there he also held court for Israel. And he built an altar there to the Lord.
When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”

As Christian parents we are responsible for our children’s spiritual education. We are commanded to instruct them in the ways of the Lord and model what a close personal relationship with God looks like. When we get too involved with our careers, hobbies, friends or even ministries and don’t have time to train our children, they will become ensnared by sin. 

Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

When we teach our children the right ways to think about life, they are quite likely to choose what pleases God and reject the attractions of sin and temptations of this world. 

Samuel’s sons used their positions of power to greedily indulge their desires and pervert justice. The nation of Israel also wanted to reject God’s leadership and have s king just like every other nation.

Our personal relationship with God needs to show our children that following Jesus is radically different and supremely more fulfilling than chasing the things of this world. Samuel didn’t make that a priority for his sons and the whole nation suffered for it.

December 27 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

I tremble at the command of God sometimes. He says, "Find out what pleases the Lord." God used the Apostle Paul to write that down for us to obey. The one thing I learned from the life of Samuel, the prophet, is when he was sorting through the brothers of David to choose the next king of Israel. One was taller and looked like he could be the next king. But God said "no." 

#1 “But the Lord said to Samuel.”
Though he was wise and discerning, Samuel was in danger of making the same mistake made by the rest of the world, judging a person by appearances.

#2 “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.”
God calls us to look past outward appearances, though it might be difficult. Appearance, especially height, says nothing about a person’s character. They are simply born tall, short, or medium height.

#3 “The Lord does not look at the things people look at.”
God’s ways are simply higher than our ways. That said, the verse is recorded for us to learn to align our ways with his.

#4 “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Seek to be like God and look past appearances at the reality of the heart, and the content of the character. Connectusfund.org

Have you checked the labels on your grocery items lately? You may be getting less than you thought. According to U.S. News & World Report, some manufacturers are selling us the same size packages we are accustomed to, but they are putting less of the product in the box. For example, a box of well-known detergent that once held 61 ounces now contains only 55. Same size box, less soap.

How something is wrapped doesn’t always show us what’s on the inside. That’s true with people, as well. We can wrap ourselves up in the same packaging every day—nice clothes, big smile, friendly demeanor—yet still be less than what we appear to be.

Our Daily Bread, June 22, 1992

July 10 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What should we learn from the life of Samuel?

Samuel's life shows what it means to serve God with consistency, sincerity, and discipline. From childhood, he demonstrated a willingness to obey, responding to God's call with readiness and respect. His early years reveal that devotion can begin long before adulthood and that young people can play a meaningful role in God's work.

He carried out his responsibilities faithfully. Whether delivering messages, performing priestly duties, or guiding the nation, Samuel acted with reliability and seriousness. His dedication did not waver as he grew older, and he remained committed to the role God entrusted to him.

Samuel listened carefully to God. He did not rush ahead with his own ideas but waited for direction. This attentiveness shaped his decisions and ensured that his leadership aligned with God's will. His example teaches the value of patience and spiritual sensitivity.

He upheld God's choices without hesitation. When God selected Saul as king, Samuel presented him confidently to the people. When God later rejected Saul, Samuel delivered that message with firmness. His loyalty was to God's authority, not human approval.

Samuel's judgments were steady and impartial. He did not allow personalities or pressure to influence his decisions. His fairness teaches that true leadership requires courage and a commitment to righteousness.

Obedience was central to Samuel's character. He understood that following God's instructions mattered more than ritual or appearance. His words to Saul emphasised that devotion is measured by submission to God's commands.

Samuel fulfilled every commission God gave him. Whether anointing a king or confronting disobedience, he carried out each task with persistence. His determination shows the importance of completing the work God assigns.

He also had a strong reputation among the people. His conduct earned respect, and his life reflected honour and reliability. This teaches that a faithful walk with God naturally produces a good report.

Samuel's early ministry encourages young believers to serve God wholeheartedly. His life demonstrates that age does not limit usefulness and that devotion in youth can shape a lifetime of service.

Samuel also teaches us today several lessons: obedience, attentiveness, fairness, perseverance, and humility. 

His example shows how a life anchored in God's voice can guide a nation, strengthen faith, and leave a legacy of integrity.

September 03 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report