Samuel is often referred to as the last of the judges (cf. 1 Sam. 7:6, 15-17) and the first of the prophets (3:20; Acts 3:24; 13:20). He was born to Elkanah and Hannah, a devout couple, who dedicated him to the service of the Lord (1 Sam. 1:1-2:11). During his early years, Israel faced some of its darkest days, being oppressed by the Philistines (4:10) and seeing the ark of the covenant captured (4:11). It was through Samuel's leadership that the people got rid of their idols (7:2-6) and the Philistines were subdued (7:7-14). As God's spokesman, he also anointed both Saul and David (10:1; 16:13).
