Approved for 12+

Jacobs Ladder: Episodes 5 – 7: Samuel

Episode 5: "The Invitation"—Hannah has promised to give her son to God. Now that Samuel knows of his amazing birth, he must choose whether to accept God's plan for his life. This story explores how free will interacts with following God's calling. Episode 6: "Samuel's Destiny-Part 1"—As the priest Eli's right-hand man, 13-year-old Samuel works hard in the temple. Meanwhile, Eli's two sons sink deeper into a life of sin. How will these contrasting choices impact the Hebrews and their covenant with God? Episode 7: "Samuel's Destiny-Part 2"—As he begins to hear God, Samuel transitions into the role of prophet. Meanwhile, the Israelites are marching into battle with the Ark of the Covenant, but without the Lord of Lords. What will it take to convince them to repent and put their faith in God?
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Negative Rating
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SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
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Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

The Jacob’s Ladder series continues with these three episodes. Episode five, “The Invitation,” episode six, “Samuel’s Destiny—Part 1,” and episode seven, “Samuel’s Destiny—Part 2,” bring the Bible to life!

In “The Invitation” Samuel enters God’s service after his mother, Hannah, tells of her promise that if God gave her a child she would give that child back to the church. God calls and Samuel willingly answers and follows Him. In “Samuel’s Destiny—Part 1,” Samuel demonstrates his wisdom by encouraging Eli, the High Priest, to be more firm with his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who are straying from God. In “Samuel’s Destiny—Part 2,” Samuel hears God’s voice, and Eli encourages him to listen and obey if God speaks to him again. When tragedy strikes, the people look to Samuel, and finally to God, to protect them from their enemy.

There is some creative license in the stories, especially concerning Samuel’s childhood, but the essence of the Biblical story is still the focus. Richard Pask is excellent as the young Samuel, and all the characters spring from the pages of the Bible and come to life! We are pleased to award this film our Dove “Faith-Friendly” Seal for ages 12+.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

0
Integrity

Boy is kicked in the face; dishes are thrown; boys twist another boy's ear; boys fight; boys are "zapped" when hurting Samuel; boy is given light slap to the head; battle scenes with swords and punches.

1
Sex

Couple kisses.

1
Language

Useless-1; Good for nothing-1; Hebrew Dogs-1; "Oh God" said in prayer.

2
Violence

Boy is kicked in the face; dishes are thrown; boys twist another boy's ear; boys fight; boys are "zapped" when hurting Samuel; boy is given light slap to the head; battle scenes with swords and punches.

2
Drugs

Wine drinking in a few scenes; "I want a beer" comment; priest's sons drunk in a scene.

0
Nudity

None

2
Other

Boy is laughed at in dream; someone has pulled up vegetables in a garden; tension over a young woman having to marry a man she does not love; two men claim the same foal and Samuel brings peace to their disagreement; man steals money; stealing happens a few times; sons disrespectful to father; mention of other gods.

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