Books of Samuel facts for kids
The Books of Samuel are two important books in the Tanakh (which is part of the Hebrew Bible) and also in the Christian Old Testament. They tell us about the early history of Israel and some of its first kings.
Contents
The Two Books of Samuel
The Books of Samuel were originally one very long book. When it was first translated into Greek, it was split into two parts because of its length. Other languages followed this idea.
What is in 1 Samuel?
The first book of Samuel tells the story of Israel from the birth of Samuel. It covers the time when Saul became the first king of Israel. It explains how Saul made mistakes and wasn't a good king. The book also tells how Samuel chose David to be the next king after Saul died.
What is in 2 Samuel?
The second book of Samuel focuses on the life of King David of Israel. It describes how David made Jerusalem the capital city of Israel. David started his rule well, showing humility and praying to God. However, he later made a big mistake involving a woman named Bathsheba and her husband. David then married Bathsheba, and they had a son named Solomon. Because of David's actions, his family faced many problems. The book ends with these events. The next book in the Bible, 1 Kings, begins with Solomon as king. Solomon later built the Temple in Jerusalem.
Who Was Samuel?
Samuel was an important Jewish priest, prophet, and judge in Israel. His story is mainly told in 1 Samuel. His name means "Heard of God." This is because his mother's prayer for a child was heard and answered by God.
Samuel's Birth Story
We don't know the exact date Samuel was born. But the Old Testament tells us about his parents. His father was Elkanah, from the hill country of Ephraim. His mother was Hannah. Hannah was very sad because she didn't have any children, while Elkanah's other wife, Peninnah, did.
Hannah prayed to God, promising that if she had a son, she would give him to the Lord for his whole life. God answered her prayer, and she had a son whom she named Samuel. Hannah kept her promise. She took Samuel to serve in the temple. There, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord. At that time, a priest named Eli was in charge. Eli's sons were not good, but Samuel continued to grow and was favored by both God and people.
Samuel's Calling by God
One day, when Samuel was a young boy serving in the temple, he heard someone calling his name. He thought it was Eli, the priest. But Eli told him that God was speaking to him. So Samuel went back to his place and listened. When he heard God call, "Samuel! Samuel!" he replied, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Then the Lord told Samuel that Eli's family would be punished because of his sons' bad actions. Samuel bravely told Eli everything. Soon, everyone in Israel realized that Samuel was truly a prophet of the Lord. God continued to speak to Samuel through his word.
Samuel's Ministry and Role
Samuel helped the people of Israel turn away from their sins. He served as a leader until he died. He also anointed Saul as king after the Israelites asked for a king to rule them. When Saul failed to be a good king, Samuel then anointed David as the new king.
Images for kids
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Hannah presenting Samuel to Eli, painted by Jan Victors in 1645.
See also
In Spanish: Libros de Samuel para niños
