Samuel was a blessing to his mother Hannah. She brought him to the Eli, high priest of the temple so that he could dedicate his life to God. Samuel stayed with Eli and learned many things.  God spoke to him when he was a little boy, and over his growing up hears he grew in his faith and had wisdom beyond his years. Following a great Philistine victory over the Israelites, Samuel became a judge and rallied the nation against the Philistines at Mizpah. He established his house at Ramah, riding a circuit to various cities where he settled the people's disputes.  He would be the last of Israel's judges, and because of his unshakeable faith in God and his growing wisdom, he was soon recognized as a great prophet.

Just as Eli's sons did not follow God and could not follow their father as high priests, so did Samuel's sons.  They were supposed to follow their father as judges, but they were corrupt.  The people demanded a king.

God listened to his people, and Samuel listened to God.  God led him to Saul, and Samuel anointed him as the first king of Israel.