שמואל א, פרק ז׳, פסוק ט״ז

Samuel’s leadership was defined by a remarkable dedication to the public. Rather than waiting for the people to seek him out for legal decisions, he took the initiative to go to them. Every single year, he left his home to embark on a comprehensive journey across the region [מצודת ציון]. The purpose of this annual circuit was to travel through the towns and judge the Israelites in their own communities, saving them the burden of traveling long distances to reach him [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

The specific stops along his route were not chosen at random. The journey focused on cities that had previously housed the Ark of the Covenant and had experienced special divine oversight. Bethel, for instance, was actually the city of Shiloh, which earned its title because the house of God stood there for a long period. Gilgal was selected because it was the first resting place of the Ark after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. Mizpah was also included, as it was recognized as a location of great divine influence and providence [אברבנאל].

Throughout these extensive travels, Samuel maintained absolute independence and strict integrity. Relying on the traditions of the Sages, commentators note that wherever he went, he essentially brought his own household with him. He relied entirely on his private property for food and supplies, refusing to take any benefit or support from the local residents he came to judge [אברבנאל]. After completing his annual circuit through all these significant locations, he would conclude his journey and return to his permanent home in Ramah [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].