SAMUEL


Meaning of SAMUEL in English

n.

( 0441; 11th century BC) Old Testament prophet, the first after Moses and the last of the judges of ancient Israel.

His story is told in two biblical books (1 and 2 Samuel) that relate the history of Israel in the 11th–10th century BC. During this period, the first monarchy of Israel was established and the tribes of Israel united under a single kingdom with its capital at Jerusalem. Samuel received a revelation that led to the installation of Saul as king, but later announced an oracle rejecting Saul and secretly anointed David as king. Scholars dispute whether the historical Samuel was the author of the two books that bear his name.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.