The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

47/326

One of the Greatest Prophets of All Time

“The child Samuel grew on, and was in favor both with the Lord, and also with men.” And he “ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.” 1 Samuel 2:26, 18. In due time “the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.” “And the word of Samuel came to all Israel;” “all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.” 1 Samuel 3:21; 4:1; 3:20. Thus there was raised up by the Lord in the midst of apostate Israel one of the greatest prophets of all time. All his life this man seemed to be in the most intimate association with God. In his manifold labors, great and small, he received divine instruction and guidance through the prophetic gift. AGP 64.3

The first definite responsibility laid upon him by the Lord was to bear to Eli, Israel’s judge, the terrible message regarding the punishment that must be administered to his “house.” “By faithfully delivering the divine warning to the house of Eli, AGP 64.4

painful and trying as the duty had been, Samuel had given proof of his fidelity as Jehovah’s messenger; ‘and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.’” Patriarchs and Prophets, 589, 590. AGP 65.1

In order to bring about a spiritual revival and reformation, thus preparing the way for deliverance from subjection to the Philistines, Samuel went through the cities and villages of the land, teaching the people, praying with them, and appealing to them to turn from their sins to God. In this effort he was eminently successful, for in time “all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.” 1 Samuel 7:2. AGP 65.2

Now the hour of triumph and deliverance had come. Recognizing this, Samuel said to them: “Prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only: and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only.” 1 Samuel 7:3, 4. AGP 65.3

Quick action followed. Soon they found themselves faced by the hosts of the Philistines. Israel was not armed for such a conflict. But the Lord wrought for them. He “thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel…. So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.” 1 Samuel 7:10-13. AGP 65.4