Samuel was the last of the judges (1Sa_8:4-5). Samuel was the first of the prophets (Act_3:24).
I. Samuel in his childhood. He had a praying mother (1Sa_1:26-27). He had an early call to serve God (1Sa_2:18). He had a special message from the Lord (1Sa_3:8-9).
II. Samuel when he became a man. He was the one by whom God spake to the People (1Sa_3:19-21). He was the one by whom God defended the people (1Sa_7:12-13). He was the one by whom God instructed the people (1Sa_12:23-24). He was the one by whom God gave a king over the people (1Sa_10:24-25).
III. Samuel when he drew near his end. He appealed to the people (1Sa_12:2-3). He reasoned with the people (1Sa_12:7). He died with the respect of the people (1Sa_25:1). Lessons: Begin to serve the Lord early. Determine to follow the Lord fully. Be ready to hear the Lord only. Be persuaded to trust the Lord entirely. Samuel as the last of the judges was great. Samuel as the first of the prophets was greater. But for the greatest honour which Samuel had, see Psa_99:6.(The Clergyman’s Magazine.)
