THE HOLY PROPHET SAMUEL (AUG 20TH)

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

On August 20th, the Western Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Prophet Samuel, a figure of profound significance in the history of Israel and the Christian faith. Born over a millennium before the Nativity of Christ, St. Samuel was the fifteenth and last judge of Israel, a pivotal figure who bridged the era of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy. He was born to Elkanah and Hannah of the tribe of Levi, in Ramah, a city in the hill country of Ephraim. Samuel’s birth was a direct answer to the fervent prayers of his mother, Hannah, who had been barren for many years. In gratitude, she dedicated him to the Lord before his birth, naming him Samuel, meaning “God has heard.” At the tender age of three, Samuel was brought to the Tabernacle at Shiloh and entrusted to the care of Eli, the High Priest, where he began his life of service to God.

From a young age, Samuel was marked by his deep reverence for God and an acute sensitivity to His voice. At the age of twelve, he received his first prophetic revelation, a message foretelling the impending judgment upon the house of Eli due to the wickedness of Eli’s sons. This prophecy was soon fulfilled when the Philistines defeated the Israelites, killing Eli’s sons and capturing the Ark of the Covenant. Upon hearing this news, Eli himself died, leaving Israel in a state of disarray. Samuel then assumed the role of judge and prophet over Israel, leading the people back to God and restoring their faith. Through his guidance, the Ark was returned, and the cities taken by the Philistines were restored to Israel.

St. Samuel’s role as a prophet was not merely one of foretelling the future but of calling the people to repentance and obedience to God. He anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David, marking the beginning of the monarchy in Israel. Despite his reluctance, Samuel anointed Saul as king in response to the people's demand to be like other nations, though he saw this as a rejection of God’s kingship. When Saul later disobeyed God, St. Samuel was instrumental in anointing David, who would become Israel's greatest king and the ancestor of our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Samuel’s interactions with both Saul and David reveal his deep commitment to God’s will, even when it required him to confront and rebuke those in power.

One of the most remarkable aspects of St. Samuel's life is his prophecy from the grave. After his death, when Saul, desperate for guidance before a battle, sought out the Witch of Endor to summon St. Samuel’s spirit, Samuel appeared and foretold Saul's defeat and death. This extraordinary event underscores Samuel’s enduring connection with the divine will and his unique place among the prophets. No other prophet in the Holy Scriptures is recorded to have prophesied after death, making St. Samuel’s role in salvation history singular and profound.

In Ancient Christian tradition, St. Samuel is revered not only as a prophet but also as a prototype of the ascetic life, alongside St. John the Baptist. Both Sts. Samuel and John exemplify the virtues of dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to God’s will. St. Samuel’s life of service, his integral role in the establishment of the monarchy, and his prophetic ministry have left an indelible legacy in the Christian faith. His life calls us to listen for God’s voice in our own lives, to lead with integrity, and to remain faithful to God’s commandments, no matter the cost. As we commemorate the Holy Prophet Samuel, we are reminded of the enduring power of God’s word, spoken through His chosen servants, and the importance of living a life dedicated wholly to Him.

COLLECT 

O Almighty God, who didst raise up Thy servant Samuel to be a prophet and judge in Israel, and didst endow him with the spirit of obedience and faithfulness: Grant that we, following his example, may listen for Thy voice in our lives and walk steadfastly in Thy ways; that, like him, we may be ever dedicated to Thy service, and proclaim Thy truth with boldness and humility; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.