Proverbs 20:7 (AMP) The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow].

Returning once again to the issues of parenting, we still know nothing of Samuel’s parenting skills. We do however have words of wisdom to read and apply to our own circumstances. Our present condition and our present circumstances are more blessed than the sons of Samuel.

This proverb wasn’t available to Samuel as a learning tool. He might have known it in his heart because of his relationship with the Lord but nothing in scriptures indicate that he shared anything spiritual in nature with his sons.

We tend to judge harshly the actions of others that are not afforded the same blessed opportunities that we are today. At that time the spirit was not given as in indwelling presence. Even so, we often find ourselves falling short of our expectations for ourselves because of those same judgmental attitudes.

1 Corinthians 4:2-4 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

One of the most surprising discoveries for me in bible study was a comment by another well-traveled bother. That was when he told me, “Not everyone is introspective.” Until that moment I thought everyone was like me.

I believe that everyone is aware to some degree of their thought processes and emotions. Rarely do humans observe them with detached emotional evaluations. The tendency to be self-critical is as harmful as taking pride in the results. Neither reflect God’s love for you.

1 Samuel 3:11-14 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

Here is a relevant passage in Samuel’s past that might have colored his thinking. Eli’s sons caused the downfall of the house of Eli. Eli knew what his sons were doing. Did Samuel? Eli was sent a message about his failure as a father and high priest. Was Samuel sent a message about his position as prophet and judge?

Did Samuel think about Eli’s sons before setting his sons as judges in Beersheba? Nothing in the scriptures indicate one way or another about Samuel’s relationship with his sons. We know nothing of these sons until it is too late. Is it fair of any of us to judge Samuel based on so little information? No.

Our job here is not to create doctrine but rather to examine the Word given in how God acted upon the events that unfolded. All we have to go on is the Word given and not to fill in missing history based on our knowledge of the character of Samuel. We know what he was as a prophet and a judge, we know absolutely nothing about him as a father.

As for Samuel being wrong, since God is our judge, did God chastise Samuel for appointing his sons as judges? He called out Eli. Should he overlook the same mistakes in Samuel?

Nothing was said to indicate Samuel knew anything about the character of his sons, and God didn’t say Samuel was wrong in those appointments.

Let God be the judge.