The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

A Tribute to Samuel

The following appropriate and beautiful tribute to the life of this man of God will be read with both profit and pleasure: AGP 74.2

“The death of Samuel was regarded as an irreparable loss by the nation of Israel. A great and good prophet and an eminent judge had fallen in death; and the grief of the people was deep and heartfelt. From his youth up, Samuel had walked before Israel in the integrity of his heart; although Saul had been the acknowledged king, Samuel had wielded a more powerful influence than he, because his record was one of faithfulness, obedience, and devotion. We read that he judged Israel all the days of his life….

“The nation had lost the founder and president of its sacred schools; but that was not all. It had lost him to whom the people had been accustomed to go with their great troubles,—lost one who had constantly interceded with God in behalf of the best interests of its people. The intercession of Samuel had given a feeling of security; for ‘the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ …

“It was when the nation was racked with internal strife, when the calm, God-fearing counsel of Samuel seemed to be most needed, that God gave His aged servant rest. Bitter were the reflections of the people as they looked upon his quiet resting place, and remembered their folly in rejecting him as their ruler; for he had so close a connection with Heaven that he seemed to bind all Israel to the throne of Jehovah. It was Samuel who had taught them to love and obey God; but now that he was dead, the people felt that they were left to the mercies of a king who was joined to Satan, and who would divorce the people from God and heaven.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 663, 664.

Closing his review of the life and accomplishments of Samuel, A. S. Geden says: AGP 74.3

“It is not without reason, therefore, that he has been regarded as in dignity and importance occupying the position of a second Moses in relation to the people. In his exhortations and warnings the Deuteronomic discourses of Moses are reflected and repeated. He delivers the nation from the hand of the Philistines, as Moses from Pharaoh and the Egyptians…. In nobility of character and utterance also, and in fidelity to Jehovah, Samuel is not unworthy to be placed by the side of the older lawgiver. The record of his life is not marred by any act or word which would appear unworthy of his office or prerogative.” “The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia,” Vol. IV, art., “Samuel,” p. 2678.

In one of his psalms, David makes significant reference to Samuel: “Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among them that call upon His name; they called upon the Lord, and He answered them.” Psalm 99:6. AGP 75.1

Moses, Aaron, and Samuel were three of the greatest prophets of Old Testament history. Placing Samuel with Moses and Aaron, men who called upon the Lord and received marvelous answers, is a divine recognition of the great achievements wrought through the mighty intercessions of Samuel for Israel. AGP 75.2

Another very remarkable statement concerning Samuel occurs in the book of Jeremiah: AGP 75.3

“Then said the Lord unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before Me, yet My mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of My sight, and let them go.” Jeremiah 15:1.

Israel had gone so far in rebellion against the Lord in rejecting the messages of His prophets that He said to Jeremiah: “Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness. This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from Me, saith the Lord; because thou hast forgotten Me, and trusted in falsehood.” Jeremiah 13:24, 25. AGP 75.4

Evidently on hearing this Jeremiah began to pray for the people, for he says: “Then said the Lord unto me, Pray not for this people for their good” (Jeremiah 14:11); and to show him how unalterable was the decision, the Lord said: “Though Moses and Samuel stood before Me,” even if those mighty intercessors should lift their voices in Israel’s behalf,—“yet My mind could not be toward this people” (Jeremiah 15:1). AGP 75.5