At the beginning of the book of 1 Samuel, the religious leaders had polluted worship and provoked God's silence by their wicked actions. However, God had a plan to raise up someone to purify worship and proclaim His Word.

Interestingly, the one that God raised up was a child (Samuel), and he pointed to a far greater Child (Jesus) who would come into the world at a time of spiritual darkness when religious leaders had polluted worship and provoked God's silence.