One of the more significant and versatile characters in the long record of Israel's history was Samuel, whose brilliant career affected many aspects of the progress of his country and of its people. Not only did he judge Israel "all the days of his life" (I Sam. 7:15), but he became equally well known as a counselor of kings. His activities as both priest and prophet were widely acclaimed.
His father, Elkanah, was of priestly descent, tracing his ancestry back to Jacob's son Levi, and lived at Ramah, not far from Jerusalem (see I Sam. 1:1, 19).
On one of his annual visits to Shiloh, some fifteen miles distant from Ramah, Elkanah was accompanied by his wife Hannah, who had long remained childless— a condition then considered not merely a misfortune but even a disgrace. Eagerly she offered her prayer at the sanctuary that she might have a son. She vowed to dedicate him exclusively to God's service if only her request were granted, as indeed it was within the year. No wonder she "called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord" (I Sam. 1:20).
