Samuel was the last of the judges in the Hebrew Bible. He also served as a prophet, seer, priestly figure, and national leader during Israel’s transition to monarchy.
Samuel’s story begins with his mother Hannah dedicating him to service at the sanctuary at Shiloh. There, he was associated with Eli, the priest who preceded him as a spiritual leader. After Eli’s death, Samuel became widely recognized as a prophet and judge, guiding Israel and calling the people away from foreign worship.
Samuel later anointed Saul as Israel’s first king, but he also rebuked Saul for disobedience and announced that God had rejected him. Samuel then secretly anointed David, establishing the next royal line. This overlap explains a common mix-up: Eli was an earlier priest and judge-like leader, while Samson was one of the earlier judges celebrated for military strength. Samuel is the final judge because his leadership bridges the period of the judges and the beginning of the Israelite monarchy.