The Life and Legacy of Samuel the Prophet
Samuel is attributed to the tribe of Levi and descended from Korah. His mother, Hannah, was barren for many years. Discover ten intriguing facts about Samuel the Prophet, who passed away at a young age.
- Samuel the Prophet was the last judge of the Israelites during the era of the Judges.
- Samuel was attributed to the tribe of Levi, and in fact, he was a descendant of Korah.
- His mother, Hannah, was barren for many years until she promised to dedicate the child born to her in holiness to Hashem.
- Upon his birth, Hannah thanked Hashem with what is known as ‘Hannah’s Song’.
- From Hannah’s prayer, the Talmud in Tractate Berakhot derives many laws related to prayer.
- Samuel was a Nazarite from birth.
- During his time, the first king of Israel, Saul, was crowned. After Saul sinned by not destroying all of Amalek’s descendants, Samuel anointed David as king at Hashem’s command.
- According to the Talmud in Tractate Bava Batra, Samuel wrote three books of the Bible: Samuel, Judges, and the Book of Ruth.
- The sages highly praised Samuel’s greatness, comparing his spiritual stature to that of Moses and Aaron, as reflected in the verse: ‘Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among those who call on His name.’
- Traditionally, he passed away on the 28th of Iyar, at just 52 years old, and was buried at a place called ‘Ramah’. Today, this is identified with ‘Nabi Samuel’ near the Ramot neighborhood in Jerusalem.
