Not Only a Prophet: The Numerous Faces of Samuel

The biblical character of Samuel is a very complex one. Samuel, in fact, plays different roles on behalf of Israel: intercessor, priest, governing judge, guide (covenant keeper). He is also defined, even if not explicitly, nazir (1 Sam 1:11). His unique role in the history of Israel is that of kingmaker. At the end of the “childhood cycle” Samuel is presented explicitly as “prophet” by the narrator with a remark outside the story line. This presentation makes the character of Samuel similar to that of Moses. Few times the biblical tradition refers to the character of Samuel (1 Chr 6:12-13; 9:22; 11:1-3; 29:29; Ps 99:6; Jer 15:1; Sir 46:13-20; Acts 3:24; 13:20b-23; Heb 11:32b). The OT tradition highlights two different interpretative lines: the association with David, and the role of kingmaker, and the association with Moses, and the role of intercessor. The NT tradition also recalls the character of Samuel between David and Moses. Each reference to Samuel shows that the biblical tradition has caught the uniqueness of this character in the narrated history of Israel and his importance in the History of Salvation. Keywords: Samuel, Moses, David, Old Testament tradition, New Testament tradition.