The prophet Samuel was one of the judges of Israel. He belonged to the tribe of Levi and was born in Ramathaim Zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. His parents were Elkanah and Hannah. He was born after his mother’s prayers and supplications, as she was unable to have children. When the boy reached the age of three, he was dedicated to God and entrusted to the care of the high priest Eli.
Samuel grew up with respect, faith, and devotion to the Lord. At the age of twelve, he received his first divine revelation. He learned that the house of the high priest would be punished for its disobedience and lack of faith.
This prophecy was fulfilled when the Philistines, after killing 30,000 Israelites, won the battle and captured the Ark of the Covenant. The high priest lost his life, while upon hearing of these events, his wife also passed away, declaring that the glory of Israel had departed along with the Ark.
After the death of Eli, Samuel became the judge of the people of Israel. During his tenure, the sacred relics were returned. The Israelites repented and regained all the cities previously captured by the Philistines.
Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings and continued his duty as a prophet for the next forty years of his life.
He passed away at an advanced age. His life is recounted in the Bible. In 406 AD, his sacred relics were transferred from Judea to Constantinople.
The Church commemorates his memory on August 20.
