Bible Characters
Samuel the Prophet: The Judge Who Anointed Israel's Kings (+Quiz)
A mother's prayer, a voice in the night, and the anointing of Saul and David.
Samuel the Prophet was the last judge and the prophet who bridged the era of the judges and the era of the kings. His story, which opens the Book of First Samuel, begins with the prayer of his mother Hannah - and he is one of the foundational figures in Bible quizzes.
▶ Play now: the Samuel quiz — 50 questions per level
Hannah's Prayer
Hannah, a barren woman, prayed in tears at the Tabernacle at Shiloh and made a vow: if she were granted a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Samuel was born - "because I asked the Lord for him." The story of his birth is a model of prayer and of the fulfillment of a vow.
The Voice in the Night
As a boy, Samuel served Eli the priest in the Tabernacle. One night a voice called his name, and Samuel thought it was Eli. Eli realized it was the Lord and instructed him to answer: "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening." Thus began his prophecy.
Leader and Judge
Samuel led Israel, judged them, and traveled among the cities. He called the people to return from idolatry and defeated the Philistines at Ebenezer - "Thus far the Lord has helped us." He was so upright that he could declare, "Whose ox have I taken?"
The Anointing of Saul
When Samuel grew old, the people asked for a king "like all the nations." Samuel warned them of the ways of a king, but in the end he anointed Saul with oil and made him king. He remained the spiritual compass of the first king.
The Anointing of David
After Saul was rejected, Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint a new king. He passed over the sons, and only young David, the shepherd, was chosen: "For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
His Legacy
Samuel died and all Israel mourned him. Even after his death, when Saul summoned him through the medium, his figure returned to deliver prophecy. Samuel remained a symbol of the faithful prophet who places the word of God above any king.
Play the Samuel quiz
Bible Quiz now has a dedicated Samuel quiz — real questions from the bank across five difficulty levels, 50 questions per level, from the easy questions up to the "Super-Rabbi" level with exact verses and numbers. You can also reach it from the character area or the game screen, via the "by hero" button.
FAQ
Who was Samuel's mother?
Hannah, who prayed at the Tabernacle at Shiloh and vowed to dedicate her son to the Lord.
What did Samuel say when he heard the voice of God?
"Speak, for Your servant is listening" - after Eli the priest instructed him.
Whom did Samuel anoint as king?
Saul first, and then David in Bethlehem.
By what saying was David chosen?
"For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."