שמואל א, פרק ז׳, פסוק ט״ו

A brief pause in the historical narrative serves to reflect on Samuel's unwavering public leadership and ongoing judicial authority. This reflection acts as a closing signature for a distinct era, setting the stage for the dramatic shift toward the story of Saul and the establishment of the monarchy [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל].

The primary approach among commentators is that the description of Samuel judging for his entire life refers specifically to the period from when he first assumed the role of judge until his passing, an active tenure that spanned thirteen years [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Alternatively, rabbinic traditions suggest that the sweeping timeframe reflects his lifelong destiny. Because he belonged to the tribe of Levi, his sacred role was already inscribed in the heavenly records while he was still in his mother's womb [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

Highlighting that Samuel judged the nation until his very last day delivers a profound message about his standing after the national government changed. Even after Saul was anointed as king over Israel, Samuel's judicial authority was neither revoked nor replaced. He continued to judge the people alongside the new royal administration, and his legal decisions remained fully binding. This dynamic reveals a deeper spiritual principle: the greatness and elevated status God grants to a righteous person are never taken away until the day he dies, even when a completely new form of leadership takes power [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל, רלב״ג].