The holy writings of Joshua tell us of the Judges. The people of God had to fight to live in the land given to them by God. They defeated the sinful tribes of the Canaanite people and lived in the land. The Canaanite tribes suffered because of their own sinfulness before God. Sadly, the Israelites themselves turned to the wickedness of idol worship. The children of Israel had allowed the unbelieving tribes to influence them, so God brought his judgment upon them during the time of the judges. There was confusion and darkness in the land.
God raised up a great prophet named Samuel. He was a priest according to the Law of Moses as well as a prophet. He guided the people of Israel in wisdom and truth.
The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word. First Book of Samuel, 1 Samuel 3.19-21
Samuel continued as judge over Israel all the days of his life. From year to year he went on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all those places. But he always went back to Ramah, where his home was, and there he also judged Israel. And he built an altar there to the LORD. 1 Samuel 7.15-1