

























98 

8 

DISCERNMENT IN THE FORMATION OF 

FUTURE PRIESTS IN A TRANSISTION 

PERIOD: AN EXAMINATION OF THE 

VOCATION OF SAMUEL (1 SAM. 3.1-10). 
 

Michael Sola OMOJOLA, STD 
Department of Theology, 

Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma 
solajjola@yahoo.com 

 
Abstracts 
The passage of our consideration narrates the ‘call of Samuel’ and how 
the priest Eli guided him to properly decipher the voice of Yahweh and 
disposed him to the vocation and mission that Yahweh would assign to 
him and how he on his part made a final and definitive response to his 
Vocation in a transition period in the life of the Jewish people (1 Sam. 
3.1-10). His formation has an enduring implication for the Jewish nation 
by providing a necessary guidance and needed unique identity in the 
Ancient world upon which successive generation continue to build on. 
This passage is still relevant today as we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of 
our seminary and examine the theological relevance of priestly formation 
in this third millennium, prospects and challenges. Therefore, a proper 
examination of this passage will help candidates to the sacred priesthood 
present themselves for proper formation that has a transforming effect 
for the work of evangelization to which God is calling them. However, 
without proper disposition and opening of self to true discernment 
which is the action of the Holy Spirit, in the humble efforts of the 
Formators, who like Eli, should help the candidates to decipher and 
discern the true voice of God calling; it will be difficult to achieve the 
desired result, which is furthering the kingdom of God on earth. 
 
Keywords: Discernment, Formation, Vocation, Formators, Holy Spirit 
 
 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    99 

Introduction 
There are so many concerns about the books of Samuel among scholars 
but some areas that constantly receive scholarly attention include the 
composition of the book itself, the source and the question of its 
authorship. These areas continue to re-appear in biblical scholarship and 
they often generate and shape the direction of the discussion among 
scholars. That this is nearly so can be seen in the work of Moshe 
Garsiel.1 In his work, he notes that the book of Samuel appears at the 
most “crucial period in the history of the Israelites…The book, as is seen 
even at first sight, is a unique combination of historiography, literary 
poetics and ethical and theological perception.”2 However, other scholars 
have also contributed to the discussion by raising the relevance and the 
novelties of the different narratives, the characters, their social and 
theological innovations for social and religious transformation, the 
geographical settings and their importance for the future of the 
covenantal relationship between Yahweh and his Chosen People.3  

Making a comprehensive excursus into the different debates will 
be too cumbersome for this paper. Therefore, the scope of this paper 
shall be limited to the Character of Samuel and his involvement in the 
different transitions that led to the stability of the Chosen People and 
gave a unique identity to them as a nation and see how it can be a guide 
for a nation like Nigeria in her identity crisis. The approach to be 
employed will be synchronic and canonical, as such, the textual criticism 
of the pericope may not be necessary.  

This passage reflects the final stage as it were in the formative 
period of the life of the young Samuel who was dedicated to the service 
of Yahweh immediately after he had been weaned by his mother.4 “And 
when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old 
bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the 
LORD at Shiloh. And the child was young….Therefore I have lent him to the 
LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." And he worshiped the 
LORD there.” (1 Sam 1.24-28).  

When Samuel was given to Eli, the best the mother could have 
hoped for, was to assist the old priest of Yahweh at Shiloh, because 
priesthood in those days was tribal and hereditary, of which his family 
was not a part of (Num 18.1; 1 Sam 2. 28, 30). Thus, the young Samuel’s 
works would have consisted of, looking after the person of the priest, Eli 
and the place of worship, taking charge of the work connected to the 
place of worship. The proper sacrifice and the sacred vessels shall be 
handled by the priests of Aaronic lineage (Num 18.2-4). It is for this 
reason that the Chroniclers in their short genealogical tree of the workers 
at the Temple named his grandson Heman among those who were listed 
as choirs of the temple by King David (1 Chron 6.18). While doing this, 



100 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

the boy Samuel was growing physically and inwardly as he also found 
‘favour with God and man’ (1 Sam.2.26). This terminology is found only 
once again in the whole of the Bible in the Gospel of Luke when the boy 
Jesus was found in Temple teaching elders and later followed his parents 
home (Luke 2.52). 

However, the historical context of his call showed a nation in 
transition and the need for a strong, God fearing, committed and faithful 
leader, who would help to direct and midwife the various institutions 
necessary for its continued existence as a nation and as the Chosen 
People of God (I Sam. 2.26).5 He was called particularly to guide and to 
take a leading role in this transition, so that, this plans of God would not 
be truncated. Giving a summary of the life of Samuel, the author of the 
book of Sirach notes that he “was the beloved of his Lord; prophet of the Lord, 
he instituted the kingdom, and anointed rulers over his people. By the Law of the 
Lord he judged the assembly, and the Lord watched over Jacob. By his loyalty he 
was recognized as a prophet, by his words he was known to be a trustworthy seer” 
(Sir. 46.13-15). This alo corresponds to the Deuteronomic summary of 
his life (1 Sam. 3.19-20).  
 
The Literary Classification 1 sam 3.1-10. 
Every piece of literature can be classified according to its literary genre. 
While many scholars classify this pericope as ‘the call of Samuel’, they do 
not assign a special literary structure to it or at best they compare it with 
other prophetic commission narratives especially that of Moses.6  

A commission narrative is usually the last process of a call 
narrative and as such they are two different things. There are so many 
commission narratives in which nothing are known about their birth 
such as those of the prophets and the apostles yet God called and sent 
them on mission. Some others see the passage as that of the Birth 
narrative like other birth narratives of great people in the bible.7  It 
should be noted that birth narrative is a prelude to the story of a great 
personage of historical importance; it may not necessarily lead to a special 
vocation. Others see it as a divine revelation or a theophany of Yahweh to 
the young Samuel.8 In another respects some compares it to the dreams 
in the Ancient Near East.9 

It is true that this passage has some characteristics of theophanic 
revelatory call and dream like commission narratives; it is the opinion of 
this work that it best fits into the literary pattern of the vocation 
narratives. Vocation as a literary type or genre has its own form in both 
the Old and the New Testament. An examination of a few examples will 
show the pattern of this literary structure as a unique genre for this 
pericope.10  
 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    101 

Call of Moses: Ex. 3 
Initiative of the Deity: Natural State: Moses was tendering the Flock of 
Jethro Ex. 3.1  
Apparition of the Deity: The angel of the Lord appeared Ex. 3.2 
Sacred Location; The Burning Bush Ex. 3.2,5b 
Call by Name: Moses, Moses Ex. 3.4b  
Challenges of Certainty: Moses turned around to look Ex. 3.3-5a 
Confirmation of the Call: Ex.3.6 
The Reason for the Call: I have seen the affliction of my people Ex.3. 7-9 
The Commission- I will send you to Pharaoh Ex.3.10 
Time for Maturity and Assurance: Discussion between the Deity and the 
person, Ex. 3.11-4.17 
Positive Response: He returned to Jethro. Ex. 4.18 
 
Call of Samuel I Sam. 3. 
Initiative of the Deity. Samuel was sleeping; 1 Sam 3.3 
Apparition of the Deity: The Lord stood by him; 1 Sam. 3.10a 
Sacred Location: The Temple and the Ark of God 1 Sam. 3.3 
Call by Name:  The Lord Called Samuel; 1 Sam. 3.4,6,8,10b 
Challenges of Certainty: The boy Samuel went to meet with Eli thrice; 1 
Sam. 3.5-8  
Confirmation of the Call: The Boy Samuel answered; 1 Sam. 3.4,10c 
The reason for the Call: God wants to do a terrifying thing in Israel; 1 
Sam 3.14 
Time for Maturity: Discussion between the deity and the person; 1 Sam. 
3.11-15 
The Commission: I will judge the house of Eli; 1 Sam.3.13  
Positive Response: lay down and sleep over the words; 1 Sam. 3.15 
 
The Call of the First Disciples (Luke 5.3-11 
Initiative: He went into one of the boats; Luke 5.3 
Sacred Place: After teaching people; Luke 5.3 
Call by Name: He Called Simon to thrown into the deep; Luke 5.4 
Challenge of Certainty: We had toiled all night Luke 5. 5-7 
Confirmation of the Call: Simon fell on his feet; Luke 5.8  
Reason for the Call: not applicable 
Time for Maturity: They dragged their catch to the shore; Luke 5.9-10a 
The Commission: Hence you will catch men; Luke 5.10b 
Positive response: They left everything and followed him; Luke 5.11   
 
The Call of Paul of Tarsis (ACTS 9.3-20) 
Initiative: He was on a journey; Acts 9.3a 
Sacred Place: A light from Heaven; Acts 9.3b  



102 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

Call by Name: God called Saul, Saul; Acts 9.4 
Challenge of Certainty: Who are you? Acts 9.5a 
Confirmation of the call: What do you want me to do; Acts 9.6 
Reason for the Call: It is hard to kick against the pricks; Acts 9.5b,    
Time for Maturity: between the incidents and Brother Ananias; Acts 9. 
6b,9-14 
The Commission: He will be told what to Do as a Chosen vessel unto 
the Lord; Acts 9.6c 
Positive Response: They brought him to Damascus, Acts 9.8 
 
Call Literary Structure: 

i. Initiative of the Deity: Natural State 
ii. Apparition of God, An Angel of God, The word of God 
iii. Sacred Location- A description of the location; Temple, Burning 

Bush11 
iv. Call by name- call is given to individual/ vocation is person 
v. Challenges of certainty, Doubt and Assurance 
vi. Confirmation of the Call- Giving Sign 
vii. The reason for the Call- Description of the situation 
viii. Commission- brings about a lasting Change 
ix. Time for Maturity: preparation for the mission  
x. Positive Response  

 
The Characteristics of Vocation Genre 
The first consideration about the genre of Vocation is that, it is not the 
individual that calls himself to the service of God rather the initiative is 
always from God. As noted by Fretheim, “the emphasis throughout is on 
the divine initiative. It is God who confronts Moses and calls him to a 
task. Moses does not prepare for the encounter, nor does he seek it.”12  
Hence, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews notes ‘No one takes this 
honour on himself except he is called as Aaron was’ (Heb. 5.4). Since the 
initiative is from God, the recipient of such a privilege calls, is presented 
in his natural state. It is not a reward for a good done or a prize won for a 
previous action. Hence, it is always related to a divine revelation or a 
vision of the divine.13 

Such vocation is always an invitation to participate in a 
transformation that will have a universal implication of great importance 
rather than a personal glorification or a prize, or a reward, given for what 
one has done in the past.14 The manner and pattern of each vocation 
narrative depends on the nature of the mission to be accomplished. For 
instance, Abraham was called to leave his father’s house for a Promised 
Land (Gen. 12.ff). Moses was called to lead the people from slavery into 
the Promised Land (Ex. 3.1ff). Samuel was to help them make necessary 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    103 

transition from a loose Tribal Amphitony to a United Kingdom under 
one leader in the Promised Land (1 Sam. 3.1ff). Hence, because the 
mission God is entrusting to this individual is enormous, He also 
prepares them for it. 

One other characteristic of this literary genre is the mentioning 
of the recipients’ personal name by God before revealing to them his 
purpose of calling them. This name calling shows the personal 
relationship with the divine who knows his messengers by name (Is. 
49.1). In the case of Moses, Samuel and Paul, their names were repeated 
twice by God as a sign of “endearment” to authenticate their vocation.15 
Even in some other instances, God gave new names to those He called 
which would correspond to their mission. God calls individual for 
particular mission. It is therefore God’s knowledge of the individual as 
well as a reminder to the individual’s response to God’s invitation (Hos. 
11.1). It is from this name calling, that the literary genre as it were, bears 
its special character of ‘Vocation’. 

Another important aspect of the vocation genre is the centrality 
of the word of God. According to Zimmerli, “the particular significance 
of the account of Jeremiah’s call’s to be seen in the firm subordination of 
all its features to the Word of Yahweh.”16 This word of God is central to 
all the prophetic vocation. In the case of Samuel, there is an emphasis 
from the beginning that the word of God was not common. At the end 
of this narrative, God does not allow the word to fall to the ground 
without being fulfilled. This also puts him in the same position like that 
of the prophets of old because “the messages are more important than 
their experiences”.17 

In all of these examples of Vocation literary genre given above, 
the recipients, Moses, Samuel, the Apostles and Paul in a special way, 
were called to be involved in a transition that will have a lasting and more 
enduring effect. Thus, the “account of Samuel’s vocation is a good 
example of a divine calling to perform a special mission, it shows both 
the attitudes that the person called should have and the demands that the 
divine call implies.”18 This is also reflected in the manner of their 
vocation to set up a special people for God through their own person 
charisma and formation. Moses formation was God himself through the 
different dialogue. Samuel had the old priest to help him, the apostles 
and Paul had Jesus as their teacher (Matt. 23.8; Mark. 3.13-14; Gal. 1 15-
16). Furthermore, the resemblance between Moses and Samuel is telling 
because the circumstances of their birth and the relationship of their 
parents, were involved in their narratives (Ex. 2.1ff; 1Sam. 3.1ff).  
 
 
 



104 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

Examination of the Narrative of Samuel’s Vocation 
Samuel is described as one who “stands at the intersection of a cephalous 
clan culture and the hierarchy of the nascent monarchy he inaugurates. 
He is charged with preserving the conservative values of the past while 
also plotting out the future during a period of national transition.”19 His 
contributions and actions are pivotal to the eventual emergence of the 
people both as geographical entity and in their self-religious group. 
Indeed, the book could be called Book of Transition of which Samuel 
enjoyed not only a luminal figure but also, has consistently shown him as 
a leading figure.  

According to some authors, Samuel’s vocation was necessary 
because of both the physical and spiritual weakening of Eli’s strength and 
Yahweh has found himself a strong man in the young Samuel. This 
passage of our consideration is the centre of the story which began in 
Chapter one with Hannah’s prayer. It is the summit and the beginning of 
the great Israelitic institutions of the vocation to the special priesthood, 
the distinctive prophetic ministry and the Yahwistic monarchical 
election.20 For this reason, some scholars note that to “Samuel’s is the 
credit for one of the greatest contributions ever made to the political 
thought of man.”21 

Thus, this call was necessitated by the “historical and moral 
limitations” that created a crisis point in Israel and needed divine 
intervention before it becomes catastrophic. God called Samuel to cart a 
new cause of direction for the leadership of the people that might 
eventually restore the people to the right path through the word of 
God.22 However, by helping him to answer this call, the old man, Eli, 
shows that Yahweh has a special assignment for the boy as indeed 
indicated in the narrative of his infancy. Yet he must not only consult 
and seek the guidance of the old priest Eli, but also complete the period 
of his formation. 

 Consequently, the call of the boy Samuel begins a new personal 
relationship between Yahweh and his Chosen People.23 Samuel is in the 
vanguard because he must instruct the new leaders including himself 
that leadership in “Israel were not allowed to do whatever they fancied. 
They were subjects to a higher power and to the rule of law and 
morality, upheld by the prophets.”24  Hence, “as has now been addressed 
directly by Yahweh, and the significance of this fact extends beyond the 
immediate circumstances, for the closing verses of the account make it 
clear that Samuel is henceforward to be the medium through which 
Yahweh will address his people.”25   

Therefore, this passage is a bridge between the old order as it 
were and the new things that Yahweh wants to do. This is the nature of 
God that time and again, in different circumstances, he intervened and 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    105 

gets involved directly in the affairs of his Chosen People. In doing this, 
he calls individuals to partner with him in bringing about this radical 
change. Samuel will now be called a prophet. A term which in its 
Akkadian root means to be called or summoned by the gods “one called 
to duty by a god.”26    

If Samuel was courageous and successful in his ministry as a 
prophet and a judge (1Sam. 3.19-20), it was because he has disposed 
himself favourably through obedience under his master Eli. Thus, he 
became a model of obedience as he listened to what Eli taught him to say 
if he should hear the voice of God calling him again (1 Sam. 3.9).27 He 
repeated the words just as Eli told him. Eli also showed by his own 
example of life, how to submit to the will of God, when Samuel narrated 
to him the message of God which he has just received. Although, 
challenging and difficult, Samuel told him what God had threatened to 
do to his two sons Hophni and Phinehas and his family. Eli responded, 
He is the Lord, let him do what seems good to him (1 Sam. 3.18b). 
Bowing to the will of God is a sign of true vocation, Mary (Luke 1.38) 
and Jesus (Matt. 6.10; 7.21;26.42) would later give us models by the 
examples of their lives.    

However, the vocation of Samuel needed a special period of 
discernment because of the theological implication it would have for the 
future of the People of God. Hence, the place of Eli in this discernment 
was of great significance because helped the young Samuel during this 
formative period so to say, to learn by every call experience, the voice of 
God in the many deceptive voices that could be speaking to him  (1 Sam. 
3.5). Two caveats that are significant here in the beginning of the 
narrative of the vocation are: (a) the description of Samuel as a ‘young 
boy’ or a child and (b) that the ‘word of God’ was not common in those 
days (1 Sam. 3.1).   

Having completed his period of formation, he was able, through 
the discernment of Eli, to make appropriate response that guided him 
throughout his life. He learnt that he was a Servant-leader between God 
and his Chosen People. This becomes very obvious in the words of his 
response to the call of God as directed by his master Eli; ‘speak Lord your 
servant is listening’ (1 Sam. 3.9). Therefore, he must listen to the rb;d" 
‘Word of God’ and act accordingly before the people and that makes his a 
prophet like Moses. To underscore the importance of the Word in the 
life of Samuel, his mission was summarized in the following words 
‘Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did not let none of his 
words fall to the ground’ and from Dan to Beersheba, he was recognized 
as aybiiÞn" a prophet (1 Sam. 3.19-20).28 This was evident when he was 
to chide Saul for his disobedience “and Samuel said unto Saul, I will not 
return with thee for you have rejected the word of God: (1 Sam. 15.16). 



106 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

Implications of Samuel’s Vocation for Israel as a Nation 
There is no doubt that the theology of the Books of Samuel shows that 
the narrators/redactors re-worked the different historical traditions at 
their disposal to give appropriate place to God’s intervention in the 
unfolding of events in the pre monarchical period. Mark Leuchter, notes 
that this was the major concern of the Deuteronomic Historian who 
constructed “a theoretical narrative of Israel’s landed experience …for 
the purpose of establishing a vision of society where sacral leadership and 
old covenantal ideals formed the basis for evaluating righteousness, 
theological fidelity, and social responsibility.”29 In spite of this, the 
importance of a visionary and dedicated leader in a transition period 
cannot be over emphasized. This is where the person of a Priest leader 
like Samuel becomes inevitable. 

In these twin books, the combine efforts of the Deuteronomic 
and Priestly traditions, both of which are steeped in the theological 
ideologies of the Chosen People are openly manifested. This theological 
outlook particularly reflects the “religion of a people deeply rooted in the 
life of a people settled on their land and leading a natural agricultural and 
political existence.”30 It is therefore reasonable to assume that they have 
placed the different characters in these books at some special junctures in 
the history of the Chosen People of God as a nation, to give credence to 
their assumptions. The character of Samuel as a dedicated man of God 
who received the Word that was very rare and the vision that was 
uncommon, yet that would eventually shape the history of the people 
along the traditions received, bearing in mind their relationship with 
Yahweh as his covenanted people, at the beginning of this journey, was 
inevitable.  

The narrative of the vocation of Samuel presents him as the 
personage that bears this new theological vision on his shoulder and thus 
incorporates other narratives that have implication not just for the 
immediate moment but also for the exilic period and even beyond.  
Samuel thus functions within a work that was not always a single 
narrative, but which was always part of a textual curriculum with an 
interconnected vision. His diverse roles as priest, prophet, and judge are 
the end result of careful hermeneutical creativity on the part of the 
redactors who recognized Samuel’s liminality and its potential as an 
interface between tradition.31   

In order to do this properly, he had to undergo tutelage and 
formation under an experienced priestly figure like of Eli. This period 
helped him not only to respond properly to God’s call as he should, but 
also, it helped him to navigate the different contours of transitions even 
without an already worked-out road map, to guide him. Thus, “the 
narrative of 1 Samuel could be described as a narrative of transitions. It 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    107 

details the transitional phase from the era of the judges to the era of the 
monarchy; its transitions from one failed dynasty (saulide) to one 
successful dynasty (Davidide)”.32  
It must be mentioned that all the primary characters in this book “stand 
in transitional relationship to each other so that the narrative tells of the 
transition from one leader to another: from Eli to Samuel, from Samuel 
to Saul, from Saul to David.”33 However, the character, Samuel, that 
concerns this work, has at least four different accounts of transitions 
recorded in which he played major roles. He became intuitive and 
creative as he responded to the exigencies of his vocation right from the 
beginning of his ministry to the end and endeared himself to the heart of 
the people. He did this very well as he made the uncommon transition 
from one leadership institution to another, until till Kingdom was 
securely established in David, the man after God’s heart.  

On the person of Samuel, his identification has been difficult 
because he has been described with various epithets: A seer, a priest, a 
prophet and a judge.34 These roles singled him out as a man with special 
character in the development of Judaism and Jewish history. Little 
wonder, it was said that he had favour with God and with men (1 Sam. 2. 
26). The ‘Word and the Vision’ he received from God continued to be 
the major instruments of his vocation and the guide of the Chosen 
People afterwards.35 These institutions though common to the people of 
Ancient Near East, gave the Israelites a unique identity among their 
neighbors because of what Samuel did.36 It is necessary to examine some 
of these transitions and how he had contributed to the establishment of 
the theological focus on the one hand and how such focus had helped to 
establish, stabilize and give an enduring identity to the people in later 
Judaism. 
 
Priest 
Priesthood until the time of Eli was tribal and hereditary. This was in 
accordance with the plan of God when He gave the nations their 
inheritance. God speaking through his Servant Moses says,  “the Levitical 
priests, the whole tribe of Levi will be without share or heritage of their 
own in Israel… For Yahweh your God has chosen him from all your 
tribes to stand before Yahweh your God, to do the duties of the sacred 
ministry, and to bless in Yahweh's name -- him and his sons for all time” 
(Deut. 18. 1a, 5). According to the introductory words of the First book 
of Samuel, he was an Ephraimite from Ramathaim the place of his father 
as such he is not of the priestly linage (1 Sam. 1.1).37  This passage 
presented his parents as faithful Israelites who went to perform their 
religious duty at Shiloh regularly.  



108 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

Through his association with Eli, “he is depicted as to a point, 
the heir to the functions and authority of exercise by the Elide 
priesthood”.38 Thus, the institutions of the priesthood which hitherto 
belonged to the Aaronic and Levitican family, began a new order in him. 
Hence, Samuel grew up to occupy the priestly position in Shiloh because 
the sons of Eli dishonor Yahweh while He too vowed to take this 
privilege from their house. Samuel brought a new candor to the priestly 
office through the restoration of the true worship of God rather than 
idols of the nations (1. Sam. 7.3ff).  
In him also the office of priesthood and prophecy were held together 
under one person that constituted another turning point in the history of 
God’s relationship with his people. This would be followed by many 
other priests after him (cf Ahimelek: 1 Sam. 22.10; Abiathar 1 Sam. 23.9-
12). As a priest he carried out his duty throughout their cities, blessing 
the people, their food and offering their sacrifices (1 Sam 9.12-13). He 
also anointed the first and the second kings of Israel: Saul (1 Sam. 9.14-
27) and David (1 Sam 16.12-13). The narratives of Samuel’s life record 
his various activities in carrying out his priestly duty throughout the 
towns and villages of Israel and the people deferred to him after the 
death of Eli without any constraint. Through him, a new line of 
priesthood was open to those who were not Aaronic or Levitical lineage 
which will eventually pave way for a universal priesthood in the future. 
 
Prophet 
Another area of transition that occurred under the guide of Samuel was 
the introduction of the prophetic institution.39 Although the 
Deuteronomic historians concluded that Moses was the prototype, the 
model and the standard of prophetic vocation (Deut 34.10), yet, it can be 
said that classical prophecy began with Samuel. In fact, in Judaism, the 
Books of Samuel with that of Kings are parts of the corpus called Earlier 
Prophets. Under his guidance and direction, the institution grew to a 
major and pivotal one in Israel and became formalized. This is evident in 
the narratives of his vocation, the summary of his life even from the 
beginning of his ministry (1 Sam. 3.20) and through the various 
prophetic activities he carried out (1 Sam. 9.15).  

His importance was such that the author of the book of Samuel 
credited him with this assertion that, “Formerly in Israel, anyone who 
went to inquire of God would say, "Come, let us go to the seer"; for the 
one who is now called a (‘aybiN") prophet, was formerly called a 
(ha,(roh') seer” (1 Sam. 9.9). A seer (ha,(roh') known as the ‘man of God’ 
‘~yhil{a/-vyai was consulted by the people like a divine and to inquire 
about what the Lord wants (1 Sam. 9.6). He was a precursor of the 
classical prophetism (‘aybiN") of a sort in Israel who spoke the word of 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    109 

God to the people (1 Sam. 4.1) It is noted by scholars that “it was 
principally as a prophet that Samuel’s memory was preserved in the 
tradition, so much so that, as an exponent of prophetic intercession he 
takes his place in later literature alongside Moses.”40  
Like Moses, he combined in himself the role of offering sacrifices and 
intercession on behalf of the people (Jer. 15.1, Ps. 99.6). Eventually, 
some of the prophets after him would combine these roles; Gad (1 Sam 
22.5); Nathan (1 Sam. 7.3). Hence, he was credited as the one who made 
the transition from the various visionary movements to the prophetic 
institution initiated by the so-called bands of prophets, to the eventual 
classical prophets of which the writing prophets represented fully (1 Sam 
9.9; 19.18-20).41  

As a prophet, he guided the leaders to make the right decisions 
that will help the people to remain faithful to the covenant relationship 
with Yahweh. He was fearless in admonishing and speaking against the 
evil of the leaders in order to correct and to guide them in the right part 
(1 Sam. 15.10ff). He made the will of God known to the people by 
telling them the words of God as revealed to him just as he told Eli his 
master (1Sam. 10.17ff; 12.1ff). All these contributed to the strong and 
solid foundation of the Monarchy, the United Kingdom and the 
prophetic ministry after him. He was acknowledged as one of the 
greatest prophets in Israelitic history if not on the same level with Moses 
but also very close. For this reason, the prophet Jeremiah sees him as a 
credible and powerful intercessory figure before God in company of 
Moses (Jer. 15.1).  
 
Monarchy 
In the opinion of some scholars, “it is with the rise of the monarchy that 
we can truly speak of Israel as a nation.”42 If this is true, Samuel can then 
be credited as the architect of the foundation of the monarchical 
institution in Israel because it was to him that the people turned in their 
quest for a king (1Sam. 8.5). His efforts to guide and administer the 
people after the demise of the Charismatic leaders of the book of Judges, 
whom we could classify as the Classical Judges, until they had and built 
the sense of a United people and instituted and enthroned their own 
king is remarkable and noteworthy (1 Sam. 12.1-24). Samuel appointed 
so to say, a transitory leader dygIn" nagid in Saul (1 Sam. 9. 16; 10.1b) and 
then appointed a king %l,m,( melek in David (1 Sam. 16.1).43  

In their quest for a king, he did not appoint a leader who would 
lord it over the people (1 Sam 8.11ff) but the one, who would have the 
‘heart of God’ and would try to do the will of God (Acts 13.22). He 
warned them about the abuses that might come from such a blind quest 
for a king as they wanted and so directed their yearnings lest they had 



110 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

tyrants reign over them (1 Sam. 8.9-22). He approved this leader only 
when he had given them a constitution that defined the roles, the rights 
and the powers of the king (1Sam. 10. 25).44  This transition into 
monarchical leadership was well instituted by the change of baton from 
one a priest-Judge which was himself, to a leader, nagid in Saul and 
eventually to a king, melek in David. 

It must be mentioned that the transitions were not as smooth as 
they seem, rather, they had their own attendant intrigues and challenges, 
yet, by discerning the will of God, he was able to manage it through. 
Thus, he made an uncommon transition from the Charismatic leadership 
to an organized form of leadership which found resonance in the 
monarchical institution. To sustain this momentum, he built a special 
relationship between the monarchy and the prophetic leadership that 
would eventually characterize successive monarchical periods till the 
dissolution of the United Kingdom (1 Sam 15-16; 18.8-19.24; 23.25-23). 

The importance of the monarchy cannot be over-emphasized in 
the self consciousness of the people of Israel. This gave them identity 
and the unity they needed as a people. The monarchy helped them to 
realize how related they were as a nation under Yahweh’ rule. It also 
helped them especially through the efforts of David in uniting the entire 
kingdom a territory and establishing a Capital where they all could call 
their own (2 Sam. 5.7-12). It gave them security from the marauding 
enemies who hitherto were pillaging them at will. It became their 
identity throughout ages (2 Sam. 5.17-25; 7.1). 

Therefore, the cry for a monarch to lead and rule over them like 
some of the nations roundabout so that they too could be an organized 
state having their own military and form of government to lead them 
seem justified (1 Sam. 8). The monarchy gave birth to the so-called 
Davidic Berith which introduced the messianic expectation as the 
fulfillment of the promise made by Yahweh (2 Sam 7.14). It became a 
model for the kingship of Yahweh and a foundational influence to the 
establishment of the reign of God now termed Kingdom of God. The 
preparation and the constitution made by Samuel with the people at 
Mizpah concerning their request were integral to the stability of the 
monarchy in the heart of people even after the destruction and the exile 
(1 Sam. 10.17ff). 
 
Judge 
When they were just members of the tribal league and led by charismatic 
leaders such as Samson, Gideon etc. they were plagued by all sorts of 
invasion from the neighboring nations who were best organized than 
themselves. This perhaps happened because the foreign nations 
manipulated their disunity and unleashed terror on them. Eventually, he 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    111 

became their Judge and appointed his children as Judges over the people. 
As a judge, he arbitrated between the people and Yahweh, among the 
people and between the king and the people, between the king and God. 
Although, he still saw the need for the person of a Judge to hold the 
people responsible in the ethical demands of the covenant and so he 
appointed his own children as judges but because they were not like him 
and did not follow his ways, the people rejected them (1 Sam. 8.1-5). 
That was the end of the institution even in his own life time as the 
people clamored for a king who would double as the judge (1 Sam. 8.5, 
20). 

Although his role as a judge was not so much highlighted, yet he 
was considered a reputable, incorruptible and the last of the Judges in 
Israel even by his own account at the farewell speech (1 Sam. 12.3-4). He 
assumed the office of a judge at Mizpah after the death of Eli (1 Sam 
7.6). He composed law concerning the monarchy and explained them to 
the people (1 Sam 10.25). He judged Israel as long as he lived and even 
appointed his sons to judge as well (1 Sam 7.15-17; 8.1). As a judge, he 
counseled the people as to the appropriateness of having a king and its 
implication; he reminded them of their sacred duty to Yahweh and 
judged King Saul about his failure to carry out the order of the Lord (1 
Sam 15.16-19, 28-29).  

The three institutions of the Monarchy, Priesthood, and 
Prophetism, gave the Jews their special identity among the people of 
Ancient times and even till today. The uniqueness of each of these 
institutions to the preservation of the religion of YHWH cannot be 
overemphasized. Each of the institution is seen as having a special 
relationship with the God of Israel as such they become messianic 
institution. The efforts of Samuel in giving this special identity to these 
institutions are noteworthy and remarkable because even after the 
dissolution of the kingdom and the subsequent exiles, a new rejuvenated 
Judaism arose from the remnants. This foundation is still the force 
behind the many dreams of the people till today. 
 
The Nigerian Situation Today 
The socio-political, religious context of Nigeria today is similar to that of 
the time of Samuel in many respects. For this reason, a number of 
challenges are confronting our nation begging for definitive intervention 
to chart a way from the quagmire that beset our country, Nigeria. There 
is the political clamour for a leader to lead us so that we can participate in 
the comity of nations. This is compounded by all sorts of religious 
aberrations and syncretism that lay heavily on the shoulders of the people 
like the sons of Eli. On the social level, there are the daily threats and 
insecurities to lives and properties in every part of the country. Moral 



112 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

decadence and anti social activities run unabated from the old to the 
young, no one is left behind (Is.1.6). In all of these, priests and prophets 
ply their trade without any clue (Jer. 14.18b). There is a grave need for a 
someone who can be a moral compass to our nation; one will grow in 
favour with God and people (Luke. 2. 52). 

There is no doubt that the books of Samuel and in indeed the 
person of Samuel have a deep implication for formation today as the 
world gradually settled into the Third Millennium. It is more so for a 
country like Nigeria where its corporate identity is a mirage of a sort. 
There are more than three hundred ethnic nationalities and 3 major 
tribal groups, different in language, cultural and religious values, political 
and social worldviews. The country was born out of a colonial 
amalgamation and given a name that makes no sense to all its component 
parts together. Incidentally, there were some charismatic leaders as 
founding fathers. After their death like Israel of the Judges era, everyone 
does whatever the heart dictates.  

From the foregoing, it is very clear that we are grappling with 
various transition programs ranging from cultural, tribal, clan and 
societal perceived forced amalgamation to a state that must participate in 
a globalization program. As a young fledging nation like Israel of the 
Samuel era, there is also the leadership struggles of transition in the 
political arena with the nascent democracy wrestled from the military 
rule being led by already militarized minds in all tiers of government. We 
live in a country and times where democratic principles are subverted 
and manipulated for person ideologies and gain. We live in the times 
where elections are held and the results are sometimes declared to the 
amazements of the electorates.  

The religious atmosphere is similar to that of the Idolatrous 
society of pre Samuel era where everybody did what pleased him 
(Judg.21.25). Therefore, we live in times of perennial religious transition 
from Traditional religious worldview to embracing a Judeo-Christian/ 
Islamic religious worldview. We live in the country where any religious 
novelty finds a breeding ground from among the so-called Christians, 
where orthodoxy easily bows to various forms of aberrations and 
syncretism; where voodooism and paganism are gaining ascendancy.  
The worship of idolatry in various forms and shades are constantly in the 
increase with everyone bringing his own novelty to bear. Scandalously 
sometimes, we live in the times where Church leadership that was once 
seen as a sacred precinct, where the Holy Spirit chose the one he wanted, 
are now fraught with manipulations, acrimonies, defamation, intrigues 
and libels, very unfortunately. 

On the social level, the society seems to be on a loose spree in all 
sorts of anti social behaviours without any control or qualm. There is no 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    113 

sense of any moral value in the mind of many citizens in the name of 
civilization and development. Individual has become the measure of all 
things an relativism as an ideological concept is enthroned over the 
collective and shared values. All the traditional and religious checks and 
balances are eroded and lost without any replacement or hope of 
replacement. All of these have created crises of unimaginable proportion 
in the society and often created setbacks and social tensions that 
threatened the cooperate existence of the nation. Many have often called 
to question the necessity of the corporate existence all together as if it 
was a malediction.  

The socio-political and religious situation was similar to the 
bankruptcy that Samuel inherited at the time of his calling. Samuel was 
called to save and stabilize the covenant relationship hitherto promised to 
Abraham and inherited by his descendants so that the kingdom promised 
by God for which Moses led the liberation from slavery may survive. In 
response to his vocation, he remained focused and faithful to the God of 
the covenant. He constantly visited the religious sites to hear God 
instruct him on how to handle particular situation. The word of God 
which was rare before his call became common because he listened to 
God spoke to him time and again. He did not manipulate or subvert the 
word of God to please the leaders but corrected and chided them as 
occasion demanded. He was frank and sincere with the people in the 
discharge of his duties (1 Sam. 10.17-26). For all these reason, when he 
gave his farewell speech, he challenged the people to his conduct and 
behavior among them (1 Sam.12. 23-24).   

Therefore, like Samuel of old, those who are responding to 
God’s call must prepare themselves to respond appropriately to the 
exigencies of their vocation for the continued establishment of the reign 
of God and the good of the conglomerate called Nigeria. They should 
not be oblivious of the reality in which they are living in rather they 
should confront and transform it. They should not be overwhelmed by 
the enormity of the challenges confronting Nigeria as a nation but study 
it in the light of revelation and respond appropriately its demands. This 
can only happen if the formation which is the foundation of the future 
ministry is solidly laid. 

In the opening words of the New Ratio, it is noted that “the gift of 
the priestly vocation placed in the hearts of some men obliges the 
Church to propose to them a serious journey of formation.”45 If the New 
Ratio describes the formation of the future priest as journey in 
discipleship, Samuel then gives a concrete example of this journey in the 
Old Testament. His type of formation was a novelty and typology in the 
Old Testament of what will eventually take place in the New Testament 



114 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

when Jesus will begin to call disciples to form them into a universal 
instrument of salvation. 

Many cynics have profited themselves in various ways in the 
ensue imbroglio. They continue to take advantage of the confusion, 
ignorance, the fears, the anxieties and the vulnerability of the individual 
to despoil them of a qualitative life.  Yet in all of these, we seem not to 
have our feet properly firm and steady on the ground. What can we 
contribute or rather how do we make impact through our vocation. In a 
prophetic manner, Karl Rhaner has this to say about the priest of 
tomorrow:  

He will be a man to whom mature people find their way 
even though the society does not drive children to him. 
He will be a man who truly endures the grievous 
darkness of existence together with all his brothers and 
sisters, knowing that its first source and its blessed 
fulfillment are found in the mystery of love which 
conquers by the incomprehensibility of the cross… will 
not have power drawn from the social power of the 
church, but will have courage to do without that 
power…46 

 
Challenges and Implication for Formation 
The Call of Samuel has offered us a new perspective in responding to the 
call of God in a trying and transition period. Through the examination of 
this pericope some salient point that can help in discernment and give 
focus to minister of God can be underlined. The following are some of 
the recommendations that may be fruitful for formation of the future 
priest. 
 
1. National Identity  
The problem of identity is a major one for any entity because if one does 
not know who one is, such cannot respond to its situation appropriately. 
This is one of the greatest challenges that is facing a country like Nigeria. 
For a country like Nigeria to move forward and develop, the citizens 
must cultivate and have the sense of identity that will breed patriotism in 
them. This is where the work of Samuel as a leader in transition period 
becomes more appreciable. He rallied the people around the worship of a 
YHWH who is morally interested in the social affairs of his people and 
that gave them a sense of unity. Even when the geographical unity was 
undermined by the division of the kingdom, an identity has been created 
in the hearts of the citizens. Nigeria needs a leader who will give her a 
united identity and a moral compass under which all members can rally. 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    115 

Until this is achieved, development and the social transformation that is 
craved for will remain elusive. 
 
2. Vocation is a Gift of God 
The choice of who leads the people finally falls on God. If this is a 
correct reading then, it is not only that Yahweh is the guidance of history, 
but that the call of Samuel shows that it is He that chooses whom he 
wants and empower such for the task he wants him to accomplish 
because he will not let any of his words fall without being fulfilled (1 
Sam. 3.19). This recalls what Jesus told his disciples, you did not choose 
me no, I chose you and sent you to bear fruit that will last (John 15.16). 
Therefore, vocation is a gift that God give for the benefit of others not a 
prize won for a good act. If it is a gift, it should be preserved jealously 
and carefully not to be misused or misplaced by carelessness on the part 
of the recipients. 
 
3. Necessity of Formation and Discernment for Leaders 
Although, vocation is a gift of God, yet it needs to be checked and 
controlled as it may be that it is really from God and for which purpose. 
Therefore, a period of formation is necessary for the recipients of such 
gifts so that it may be put to proper use. By his stay with Eli, Samuel has 
been properly formed and schooled in the religious tradition that will 
shape the theological future of the people. This is still the work of 
theology today in a constant changing situation of life. It is appropriate to 
show that in the unfolding of the daily events of a people, the place of 
God is not relegated to the background or allow cynics to control the 
interpretation of such events. Rather, it is right and fitting to show and 
acknowledge the guiding but unseen hands of God in directing the 
affairs of the universe both in the case of the individual and that of the 
nations within the universe. He did it in the case of Samuel through the 
old priest Eli, he did it even the more in the case of the disciples of Jesus, 
whom he called and formed for a number of years both in wrds and 
example of his life before he commissioned them to go and continue the 
same mission of making disciples f all nations (Matt. 26.1; 28.19-20). In 
the call of Samuel, we see the need to prepare those that have been 
chosen for special assignment so that they might be able to give credible 
and lasting witness to their vocation. 
 
4. A Faithful Minister in the Sanctuary of God  
The priest should realize always that he is called by God and not 
responding to a profession or a job opportunity. Therefore, he should 
remain faithful to God and his Church to the end in good and bad times. 
Samuel remained faithful to his vocation, he was visiting the sanctuaries 



116 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

of God to seek the will of God as he met the challenges of his vocation (1 
Sam. 8.6, 21). It was this that made him a model and hero not because he 
appointed kings or leaders (1 Sam. 3.20-21). 
 
5. Lover of the Word of God. 
At the beginning of the call of Samuel, it is said that the word of God was 
rare in those days. This word of God became common in the time of 
Samuel because it was the light and guide in his mission, for the book 
notes time and again, ‘the word of God came to Samuel’ (1 Sam. 15.10). 
In another summary about his life, the author notes “and, for all Israel, 
the word of Samuel was as the word of Yahweh” (1 Sam. 4.1). In his 
recent  document motu proprio, on invitation to have a special Sunday 
marking the importance of the Word of God in  pope Francis, notes that 
“those called to be ministers of the word must feel an urgent need to 
make it accessible to their community” (Aperuit Illis No.5). Foremost 
among these are the priests and especially the priests to be who are in 
formation, they should love to hear and read the Word of God because in 
it is their salvation. In his final exhortation to Joshua, Moses exhorts that 
this word should not depart from his mouth, meditating on it day and 
night so that he may succeed in all his ways (Jos. 1.8). 
 
6. A Dispassionate Leader/Judge of the Nations 
A priest is always the leader of the community not just the Christ faithful 
but everyone. In Samuel, we found a leader who is dispassionate in 
dealing with the situation at hand. When the people demanded for a 
king, a request he did not support, he chided them for their wrong 
motive (1 Sam. 8. 10-18). When Saul disobeyed the word of God, he 
scolded him without mincing words (1 Sam. 15. 22-23). When there was 
the need to change even his own children from being the leader of the 
people he did not hesitate. He tried to expiate for Saul when God 
rejected him but when God said he has fund a replacement, he worked 
with the new leader. In the same way, a priest should see himself as the 
leader of all the people especially in our generation when people are 
building fences and blockages to keep others away, the priest should 
build bridges. He can intercede for the people but he should not be seen 
to be partial or biased in his relationship with the rich and the poor, with 
the leaders and the led. Far from him to even take side in leadership 
tussle but should seek the will of God and accept the outcome of God.  
 
7. A Voice of the Voiceless 
A priest is the voice of the people within the community. He should not 
be afraid to call the leaders to account and be responsible for their 
actions. Samuel gave a lead in this regard when he confronted Saul about 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    117 

his mission to Amalekites. He spoke and interceded on behalf of the 
people before God also. It is primary duty of the priest to offer sacrifices 
for sin and intercede for the people. Samuel was offering sacrifices for 
the people and available for their spiritual growth. He went round the 
sanctuaries to offer sacrifices. A priest should be available for the people 
even when it seems not convenient for him.  
 
Conclusion 
In conclusion, the examination of the call of Samuel then shows that 
God is always interested in the affairs of his people and he does not leave 
them alone in time of crisis and challenges. He tries to give them 
necessary guide that will help them find stability only if they listen to 
him and can discern his voice amidst the many conflicting voices they 
hear. It is true that the onus of a vocation belongs to God and he calls 
whom he loves (John 15.16; Heb. 5.4) just as he called Samuel and other 
people at some crucial moments in the life of the Jewish nation. Yet, the 
cooperation of those called is always necessary to realize the vision that 
God has for such people.  

Through the dedication of Samuel, he was able to help the 
people to have a personal encounter with their God because he too kept a 
personal relationship with the God who called him. Eli helped him to 
shape this relationship into maturity and guide him to know the will of 
God and how to respond to it in obedience. Moreover, this knowledge of 
God helped him to give a national identity to the Chosen people and to 
navigate through the political, social and religious waters of his time. 

This same God is still concerned with the affairs of his people 
today and will intervene through the vocation he gives to the individual. 
Nigerian is indeed in need of leaders who can help her create a unified 
identity where the feels belong, a leader who can help her to navigate 
through the political, social and religious crises she finds herself. She 
needs a leader with the prophetic voice and message that will heal the 
wounds of the past in these challenging times like that of Samuel. Our 
growth in priestly vocation and formation should help us to read the 
signs of the time and attend adequately as the prophet of old.  

Formators cannot remain silent or unconcerned as charlatans 
take control of the people and we keep pouring out from the seminary 
those who cannot make the needed difference. It is the time to discern 
properly those who rightly hear the voice of God and help them to 
respond appropriately. Formators should accompany with the right 
disposition, be more astute and be more involved in the process of 
discerning and the formation of the priest to be. Like the old priest, Eli, 
formators should have the proper knowledge of who God is and teach 



118 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

the same to those who are discerning their vocation that He is God, He 
does whatever he will and that obedience to him is better than sacrifice. 
In the words of St Gregory the Great, “a religious leader should be 
careful in deciding when to remain silent and be sure to say something 
useful when deciding to speak. In this way he will avoid saying thing that 
would be better not said, or leaving unsaid things that ought to be said.” 
It is our duty as future priest to listen attentively to the voice of God and 
respond appropriately. However, how can you guide when you have not 
gathered, how can you discern when you have not listened and how can 
you lead when you have never followed? 
 
 
Endnotes 
                                                      
1 Moshe Garsiel, “The Book of Samuel: Its, Composition, Structure and Significance 

as a Historiograhical Source,” in Perspectives on Hebrew Scriptures Vii Ehud Ben Zvi 

ed. Gorgia Press, 2011, 131-173. 
2 M. Garsiel; “The Book of Samuel”, p.131. 
3 “The book also deals with the transfer of government from old leaders to the 

new….The transfer was effected smoothly in the case of Eli and Samuel, with 

difficulty in the case of Samuel and Saul, and with bitter conflict in the case of Saul 

and David, culminating in Saul’s recurring attempts to kill David.” S. Bar-Efrat. “1 

Samuel” in The Jewish Study Bible, (JPS), A. Berlin and M.C. Brettler eds, OUP, 

Oxford, 2004  P.559. 
4 B. C. Birch, “the First and Second Books of Samuel: Introduction, Commentary and 

Reflections”  in the NIB: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes; Vol.II, Abingdon Press, 

Nashville ,,1998;  p.991, 947-1383. 
5 The book of Judges, which actually precedes the book of Samuel in Jewish Canon; 

ends with these words, ‘in those days when there was no king in Israel, everyone 

did whatever seem right in one eyes’ (Jug. 21.25). The children of Eli also did not 

listen to the counsel of their father. Hence, Samuel was said to have found favour 

with God and man’, as a sign of his readiness to assume this responsibility 

according to human reckoning. 
6 There is no doubt that with the emphasis on the Word of God and the eventual 

institution of the Prophetic league, Samuel was seen as a prophet, yet the narrative 

is different from that of the prophetic vocation because the prophets narrate their 

commission rather than vocation. Samuel and Moses especially narrated their 

calling which eventually involved their commissioning. Cfr. B. O. Long, “Prophetic 

Call Tradition and Reports of Visions”, ZAW (84), 1972, 494-500; G. Robinson, A 

Commentary on the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel: Let us be like the Nations, W. 

Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1993,22.  
7 The birth of Samuel reflects a special literary genre that some scholars classified 

as a ‘Birth Narrative Genre. This is the 5th of such narrative in both the Old and New 

Testament (cf. R.H. Jarrell, “The Birth Narrative as Female Counterpart of Covenant”, 

JSOT, Vol. 26 (3); 2002, pp.3-18, 5. 



Section 1: Ecclesiastical/Theological Perspectives And Seminary Formation    119 

                                                                                                                         
8 R.W. Klein, 1 Samuel WBC, Vol. 10, Texas, Word Books, 1983, 30 
9 R. Gnuse, “A Reconsideration of the Form-Critical Structure in 1 Samuel 3; A n 

Ancient Near Eastern Dream Theophany” ZAW (94) 1982, 379-390, 388.  
10 For a more comprehensive treatment of this structure see T. Tsumura, The First 

Book of Samuel, W. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2007, 171-184 and W. 

Watson, “The Structure of 1 Samuel 3” BZ (29), 1985, 90-93  
11 “Unusual fire or light frequently announces the presence of God”, G. Ashby,  Go 

Out and Meet God: A Commentary on the Book of Exodus, Eerdmans Pub., Grand 

Rapids, 1998 p.19 
12 T.E. Freitheim, Exodus, Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and 

Preaching, John Knox Press, Louisville, 1991 p.56 
13  
14 God is not asking those he called to go all alone but they should cooperate with 

him to carrying out his mission, as contained in the structure of major calls. J.K. 

Bruckner,  Exodus,  Bakerbooks, Grand Rapids, 2018, p.41 
15 “In Semitic culture, addressing someone by saying his or her name twice was a 

way of expressing endearment, that is, affection and friendship.” D.K. Stuart, Exodus, 

The New American Commentary, E.R Clendenen  et al ed. Vol 2, B&H Publishing, 

2006 p. 113  
16 W. Zimmerli, A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, Chapters 1-24; 

Hermeneia, Fortres Press, Philadelphia,1979. See also, G. Robinson, 1 & 2 Samuel, 

23. 
17 T. Tsumura, The First Book of Samuel,184 
18 The Navare Bible: Joshua-Kings, Four Courts Press, Dublin, 2002, 223 
19 M. Leuchter, Samuel and the Shaping of Tradition, OUP, Oxford 2013. p. 6 
20 R. W. Klein, 1 Samuel, p.35. 
21 I. Epstein, Judaism: A Historical Presentation, Penguin Books, Middlesex, England, 

1987, p.35.  
22 The narrative of Samuel’s vocation look forward to a future that God’s 

transforming initiatives will make possible for Israel in the midst of crisis.”  B.C. 

Birch, First and Second Samuel, p.970. 
23 “The book also deals with the transfer of government from old leaders to the 

new….The transfer was effected smoothly in the case of Eli and Samuel, with 

difficulty in the case of Samuel and Saul, and with bitter conflict in the case of Saul 

and David, culminating in Saul’s recurring attempts to kill David.” S. Bar-Efrat. “1 

Samuel” in The Jewish Study Bible, (JPS), A. Berlin and M.C. Brettler eds, OUP, 

Oxford, 2004  P.559. 
24 S. Bar-Efrat, “1 Samuel” The Jewish Study Bible, p. 599. 
25 P.K. McCarter Jnr., 1 Samuel: A New Translation with Introduction and 

Commentary, in Anchor Bible, W. F. Albright & D.N. Freedman (eds) Vol. VIII,  

Double day & Co. New York 1980, p.100. 
26 Ibid. p.99. 
27 According to St. Gregory the great, the boy Samuel was an example in obedience 

of what a disciple should be. 



120 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

                                                                                                                         
28 Samuel became “the only source of God’s Word during the oncoming period of 

radical dislocation and transformation in Israel.” B.C. Birch, 991.  
29 M. Leuchter, Samuel and the Shaping…, p.20. 
30 M. Weinfeld, Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomic School, OUP, Oxford, 1972, 

p.179. 
31 M. Leuchter, Samuel and the Shaping….p.21. 
32 Although, he is making reference to the rejection of one Yahweh’s agent in 

favour of another who has the right heart of Yahweh, Benjamin Johnson, notes that 

the book of first “Samuel could be described as a narrative of transitions. It details 

the transitional phrase from the era of the judges to the era of the monarchy; it 

transitions from one failed dynasty (saulide) to one successful dynasty (Davidide). 

“The Heart of YHWH’S Chosen One in 1 Samuel,” in JBL Vol. 131(3), 455-466, 465.  
33  “The Heart of YHWH’S Chosen One in 1 Samuel,” in JBL Vol. 131(3), , 2012 p.465. 
34 Walter Brueggemann, “Samuel” in The Anchor Bible Dictionary, vol 5, David N 

Freedman ed., Doubleday New York, 1992, Pp.954-973, 954. 
35 All the major prophets after him begin their ministry either with Vision or the 

Word of God (Is.1.1; Jer.1.1, Ezk. 1.2; Hos. 1.1) and whenever they delivered the 

message of God to the people, they end with the prophetic formula, “thus says the 

Lord or Oracle of the Lord” (Amos 1.6).  
36 I. Epstein, Judaism, p.34-35. 
37 L, Grabbe, Priest: A Socio-Historical Study of Religious Specialist, Diviners in 

Ancient Israel Sages, Trinity Press International, Valley Enge, Pennsylvania, 1995, 

p.44. 
38 R.P. GORDON, 1 & 2 SAMUEL, JSOT Press, 26; R. Gnuse, “ A Reconsideration, 

ZAW, (94), 1982 
39 According to Blenkinsopp, “the call of Samuel at Shiloh (1 Sam.3-4.1) marked the 

beginning or at least a new beginning, of prophetic activity.” J. Blenkinsopp, A 

History of Prophecy In Israel, Louisville, Kentucky, Westminster John Knox press P. 

47.  
40 R.P. Gordon, 1 & 2 Samuel, p. 27. 
41 After him came other prophets such as Gad (1 Sam. 22.5; Nathan (2 Sam. 7.2), 

Elijah (1 kgs. 18.; Elisha,  who ministered at the palace to the king or independently 

from the king but very close them in decision and guidance of the course of Israel. 
42 R.P. Gordon, 1 & 2 Samuel, p.40 
43 The exact meaning of the word dygIn"  nagid is not ascertained because it could 

mean, a leader, a king, a prince, perhaps it means a military leader but the word 

%l,m, melek means a king, Cfr. La Bibbia TOB: Nuova Traduzione CEI, p. 507. 
44 I. Epstein, Judaism, p.35. 
45 The New Ratio Fundamentalis, pg. 1 
46 K. Rahner, Servant of the Lord ,Herder & Herder, New York, 1968, 112. 

 


