We read of Samuel's first prophecy, his humility and how his prophecy began to spread truth among Israel. The downfall of the house of Eli is now inevitable.

We read of the downfall of Eli's family due to corruption and abuse. The abuse of power leads to the necessity of another source of power, the political power of the King. The religious leadership of Eli's family has utterly failed.

We read of the despicable abuse of the young priests of the pilgrims to Shiloh, and the growth of the young man Samuel as he learned the ways of God.

We read the beautiful song of Hannah which she sang upon bringing her young som Samuel to the Tabernacle.

We read the story of Hannah, the childless wife of Elkanah. She is tormented by her co-wife Peninah, and she presents herself at the tabernacle to pray. God hears her prayer, and she devotes her son Samuel to a life of holiness.

The Book of Judges concludes with another example of the skewed sense of justice and unity among the people of Israel. Somehow, the tragedy of the loss of the tribe of Benjamin sets in, but the people "solve" the problem by slaughtering another town and having the Bejaminites steal women as wives.

The civil war rages on, and the people of Israel deploy an old strategy of feigned retreat. This exposes the Benjaminites to an attack from the rear, and eventually utter defeat.

The people of Israel gather to attack Benjamin to avenge the death of the concubine at the hands of the people of Givon.