Part 5 – Contributions of Samuel in the Life of the Israelites
He judged cases; Samuel moved from Mizpah, Ramah and Gulag judging cases ranging social to religious in nature for example he used to settle disputes. 1 Samuel 7:16
He anointed Saul as the first king of Israel 1 Samuel 10:1 and after he anointed David 1
Samuel16:13 thereby transforming Israel into a monarchy.
He taught people God’s message, organized the day of national repentance and sacrificed on behalf of the people. 1 Samuel 7:9
As a seer he assisted Saul to trace his father’s lost donkeys 1 Samuel 10:20 and he was able to identify David and Saul for anointing.
He advised and counseled people; Samuel told the people what ought to be and reminded them of the consequences of their demand for a king. 1 Samuel 8:11-18
He gave out laws to the people; this is clearly seen in his constitution and guidelines regarding Kingship. 1 Samuel 10:25-27.
As a prophet he worked amidst the Israelites and all what he said came true. 1 Samuel 9:6 and he also delivered God’s message of condemnation to the entire household of Eli 1 Samuel 3:18
He mediated between the Israelites and God. For example when the people demanded for a king, Samuel first consulted God and the answer was given. 1 Samuel 8:6-7
As a military leader, Samuel was successful in all his military expeditions. For example, during his time the philistines were defeated and stopped invading Israel’s territory as long as Samuel lived. 1 Samuel 7:10-13
He revived Monotheism amongst the Israelites by rehabilitating the Central sanctuary; the once rare words and visions of God due to the misconduct of Eli’s family became common again.
He called upon the people to live by the covenant obligations and have fear for God. 1 Samuel 12:14.
However Samuel never change Israel completely in that;
He chose his own sons (Abijah, and Joel) as his successors to be judges yet the office of the priesthood was not hereditary. The sons accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly. 1 Samuel 3:1-3
Syncretism and idolatry continued to be practiced by some Israelites.
He is blamed for the rejection of King Saul because he over delayed to go and offer the sacrifice to God. And as a result Saul himself offered it, which led to his rejection as King by God.
He failed to instill discipline to his children Joel and Abijah. His sons accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly.