Young Samuel

The life of Young Samuel in the temple can be pictured for us with considerable detail. There were numerous children employed in the service of the sanctuary at Shiloh, but none apparently so young or so entirely devoted to it as young Samuel. The first three years with his religious mother, Hannah, must have made a deep imprint upon him. Moreover, he still continued to see her once a year, when she came to worship with her husband. She attended to his clothing and to his financial needs. Even at his first presentation, when he was but three years old, she had made for him a tiny ephod of linen, a garment such as the grown priests wore, and in which Samuel prayed.

Samuel spent twelve years at the temple, waiting upon Eli as his personal attendant, caring for the altar in the tabernacle, lighting the sacred candles, and sleeping in a chamber adjoining that of his aged master, so as to be of service if called upon at night. When Samuel was still young, a voice called him from his bed; Young Samuel thought that it was Eli calling and hastened to him. But Eli sent him back. Three times the voice awoke Samuel, until Eli realized what the child did not, that God was speaking to him. The voice foretold a coming punishment upon Israel and particularly upon Eli and all his family because he had so neglected his high duties. When Samuel disclosed the revelation to Eli, the old priest bowed himself in sorrow and submission.

This collection of illustrations of Young Samuel are taken from my collection of antique Bibles and story books. You're welcomed to use these pictures of Young Samuel in your artistic creations. Click on the Young Samuel drawings below to see more details about saving a free image of Young Samuel or about purchasing the images of Young Samuel at a higher resolution.