### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shᵉmûwʼêl**, represented by `{{H8050}}`, means **heard of God**. It appears 140 times across 120 unique verses in the Bible. The name originates from his mother Hannah's prayer, who called him Samuel because she had "asked him of the LORD" [[1 Samuel 1:20]]. He is a pivotal figure in Israel's history, serving as a prophet, seer, and the last of the judges.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Samuel's life marks the transition from the era of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Called by God as a child while ministering in the temple ([[1 Samuel 3:1]], [[1 Samuel 3:4]]), his prophetic word was established throughout Israel [[1 Samuel 3:19]]. As a judge, he led Israel to victory over the Philistines and set up a stone of remembrance, Ebenezer, saying "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us" [[1 Samuel 7:12]]. He was tasked by God to anoint Israel's first two kings, first Saul [[1 Samuel 10:1]] and later David [[1 Samuel 16:13]]. A central part of his ministry involved delivering God's commands and rebukes to Saul, famously declaring that "to obey is better than sacrifice" [[1 Samuel 15:22]] and announcing God's rejection of Saul's kingdom [[1 Samuel 15:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight key aspects of Samuel's identity and mission:
* `{{H7592}}` **shâʼal** (to inquire; by implication, to request): This word is the root of Samuel's name, as explained by his mother Hannah when she said, "Because I have **asked** him of the LORD" [[1 Samuel 1:20]].
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (to judge): This defines Samuel's primary role as a leader in Israel before the monarchy. He **judged** Israel all the days of his life [[1 Samuel 7:15]].
* `{{H4886}}` **mâshach** (to rub with oil, i.e. to anoint): This describes the crucial act Samuel performed to consecrate kings, as when the LORD sent him to **anoint** Saul [[1 Samuel 15:1]] and later David [[1 Samuel 16:13]].
### Theological Significance
The life of Samuel carries immense theological weight, establishing several key principles:
* **Obedience over Ritual:** Samuel's declaration that to **obey** `{{H8085}}` is better than sacrifice [[1 Samuel 15:22]] is a foundational tenet of biblical faith, prioritizing heartfelt obedience to God's word over outward religious acts.
* **God's Sovereignty in Leadership:** Through Samuel, God demonstrates His sovereign choice of leaders. The LORD tells Samuel to disregard outward appearance and stature, for God "looketh on the heart" [[1 Samuel 16:7]], establishing that divine appointment is not based on human criteria.
* **The Power of Intercession:** Samuel is portrayed as a powerful intercessor, standing alongside figures like Moses [[Jeremiah 15:1]] and Aaron [[Psalms 99:6]]. When he cried out to the LORD for Israel, the LORD heard him [[1 Samuel 7:9]], showing the effectiveness of righteous prayer.
* **Prophetic Authority:** From his childhood calling [[1 Samuel 3:4]] to his role in confronting kings [[1 Samuel 13:13]], Samuel embodies the authority of the prophet whose words come directly from God and do not "fall to the ground" [[1 Samuel 3:19]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shᵉmûwʼêl** is more than the name of an individual; it represents the concept of being "heard of God." As Israel's last judge and the prophet who anointed its first kings, Samuel's life bridges two major eras in the nation's history. His ministry underscores the enduring theological principles of obedience, divine sovereignty in leadership, and the power of intercession. Through his words and actions, particularly his famous rebuke of Saul [[1 Samuel 15:22]], Samuel establishes that hearing and obeying the voice of the LORD is the ultimate measure of faithfulness.
TRV