Samuel

An interesting perspective on orphans is Samuel in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 1 &2). In gratitude to God opening up her womb, Samuel's mother, Hannah, dedicates her first son to the Lord. According to our current definition of orphans as children without parental care, Samuel qualifies as an orphan. Samuel grows up in the temple. According to the story, his parents only saw him once a year when they made the annual sacrifice. His mother brought him a robe each year. "And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people". This phrase is similarly used of Jesus in Luke 2:52: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man". As an orphan Samuel became of the great prophets of Israel.