Samuel
Samuel or Shmu'el ( שְׁמוּאֵל šəmūʔēl ) was a prophet in the Tanakh and the last judge of Israel. The first book of Samuel in the Bible tells of his work. He lived about the 11th century BC
Biblical report
Samuel was a student in the Biblical account of the priest Eli. He is called by God to the Prophet and learns by Eli soon to be attentive to the voice of God (1 Sam 3:1-21 LUT). But while Eli is doing good as a priest to take his sons the priestly privileges true not only for the good. Samuel it is directed, but also his own sons appear corrupt.
Samuel's life was flanked by the break between the anarchy of the period of the judges, which was marked by periodic invasions of neighboring peoples, and the introduction of a monarchy in Israel. When the Israelites after a victory over the invading Ammonites of Samuel calling for the establishment of their military leader Saul as king (1 Sam 8 LUT), Samuel warns strongly against its consequences, but then appoints Saul as the first king of the tribes of Israel. After Saul to the demands of his office does not show grew, Samuel anoints David as his successor. Samuel tells the people of Israel to a criticism of the monarchy. The monarchy will fail if the king does not submit the order willed by God, as Samuel Saul accused. What is clear is that Samuel will bring the renewal of the country. After the collapse, described in Ri 17 LUT 1 Sam 6 LUT, Samuel can reform the country again: But based on the descriptions of the bad examples of the sons of Eli and Samuel becomes clear: A monarchy is indeed intended, but it is not dynastic rule be.
Samuel's work is an example of the tension between kings and prophets.
Samuel was dedicated by his mother Hannah God and by the high priest Eli in the sanctuary at Shiloh, today Selun, educated (1 Sam 1-2 LUT). God revealed to him the judgment of Eli because of his wicked sons, and called for the Prophets Samuel (1 Sam 3 LUT). He was also the last in the series of "judge", the predecessor of the kings of Israel. As such, he managed the liberation of the people from the Philistines (1 Sam 7.2 to 14 LUT) and the return of the people to the often forgotten statutes of God ( 1 Sam 12 LUT).
At the age he made his sons as his successor in the office of judge, but they were corrupt (1 Sam 8:1-3 LUT). Another reason why God commanded Samuel, was against the divine instructions, but due to the desire of the people to be like other nations, but now to anoint a king as ruler. The choice fell on Saul (1 Sam 8,6-10.27 LUT). Even the soon proved disobedient, Samuel had him announce his rejection (1 Sam 15.10 to 31 EU) and anoint David as king in his place (1 Sam 16 LUT). In addressing it came to that Saul the king of the Amalekites, and the cattle of the vanquished in the battle and would not also destroy as such already extinct people.
Samuel died while David fled from Saul, and was buried in his house at Ramah (1 Sam 25.1 LUT). He was one of the great prophets of the Old Testament and in the same breath alongside Moses and Aaron called "Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name, called upon the Lord, and he answered them. " (Psalm 99.6 EU)
Samuel grave
Now houses a mosque and a synagogue on the traditional site of the tomb in the village of Nabi Samuel Samwil in the West Bank. At the time of the Crusaders was on the believed location of the grave, the Norbertine abbey of St. Samuel.