Samuel's Prophetic Ministry

Samuel was the last of the judges and the first in a special era of prophets.

God mentions him alongside Moses (one of the greatest characters in the Old Testament) in Jeremiah 15:1

'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 forth.'

He is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:32 as one of the examples of faith, alongside David.

Rev Ken Elliott looks at the prophetic ministry of Samuel under three main headings:

1. The Authentication Of His Ministry By God (v19)

2. The Recognition Of His Ministry By The People (v20)

3. The Declaration Of It (v21)

As regards the third point-if we go back to 1st Samuel 3:1 we read-

'....And the Word of the LORD was precious in those days;there was no open vision.'

In other words, there was no open Word from the Lord, there was no public ministry as such, or very little. There was no-one called to preach the Word to the nation.

It is solemn when God withdraws.

But now this all changes. And although it isn`t stated directly, or declared openly that a change has come, it is indicated by the words of verse 21-

' And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.'

What a moment! The Lord appeared again in Shiloh! What a day that was for the people!

There are great lessons to be learned in this passage especially for the Church.