In the Bible, many characters are presented to reveal God's work and plan for His people. Each character has a unique role, becoming an instrument in realizing the divine will. However, there are characters whose roles go beyond one function, bridging time, presenting important transitions in salvation history. Samuel is one of them. Often, our attention is diverted to great figures like Saul and David, so that Samuel is only seen as an introduction to the story. Yet, on closer examination, Samuel plays a vital role as judge, priest, prophet, and “The Kingmaker”.

Samuel comes in the midst of Israel's multidimensional crisis, including: religious, political, and military crisis. The religious crisis was reflected in the scarcity of God's word (1 Samuel 3:1). The political crisis emerged through Eli's weakened leadership, exacerbated by the wickedness of his sons (1 Samuel 2). The military crisis was seen in Israel's defeat of the Philistines until the ark of God was taken away (1 Samuel 4). In this anxious situation, Samuel was born in answer to Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 1:11), established from the womb as God's vizier, reminiscent of the birth of Samson (Judges 13:2-5).

Diverse Roles of Samuel

1. Samuel as Judge. Samuel emerged as Israel's last judge, closing the era of the Judges and paving the way for the kingdom era. He led spiritual restoration by calling for repentance: “If you turn to the LORD with all your heart, put away foreign gods and Astoret from among you and turn your heart to the LORD. Serve only Him, and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines."
2. Samuel as Priest and Mediator. Although not of Aaron's lineage, Samuel served as a priest. He offered burnt offerings (1 Samuel 7:9), acting as an intermediary between the people and God. Samuel's relationship with God was so close that he was aligned with Moses and Aaron (Psalm 99:6). He was not just a servant in the temple, but a mediator whom God heard. Jeremiah 15:1 even mentions him alongside Moses as someone who could usually influence God's heart.
3. Samuel as Prophet. Samuel was the prophet who heard God's voice in the midst of the silence of prophecy (1 Samuel 3:1-10). He became a channel of divine revelation, advising the king and the nation. In 1 Samuel 8:7-9, God spoke through Samuel in response to Israel's request for a king. Despite the hardship, Samuel was faithful to speak the truth, even when he had to rebuke Saul (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:22-23). Samuel's sensitivity to God's voice restored God's word to the people.
4. Samuel as “The Kingmaker”. The transition from theocracy to monarchy in Israel was colored by Samuel's hand. He anointed Saul as the first king (1 Samuel 10:1), warned of the dangers of the royal system (1 Samuel 8:10-18), and finally, when Saul failed, Samuel anointed David (1 Samuel 16:1-13). His role was not merely ceremonial; he wrote the royal charter (1 Samuel 10:25), emphasizing the limits of the king's power before God.

Samuel's presence reflects the multi-dimensional calling of life. He teaches the importance of sensitivity to God's voice, courage to speak the truth in the midst of the majority, and faithfulness to carry out roles even though they are not always appreciated. Samuel was not there for popularity, but for obedience. When the people were immersed in the euphoria of having a king, Samuel remained attached to the will of God. This is a reflection for us, do we listen more to the voice of the public than the voice of God? Are we ready to rebuke even if it hurts?

In today's Indonesian context, amidst political unrest, social inequality, and the unrest of people who feel their voices are being taken away, Samuel is relevant as a role model. He speaks out in the midst of moral silence, standing between the people and the authorities, leading the people back to God. A nation that is struggling needs figures like Samuel: listening, crying out, acting.

“Speak, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10)