1 Samuel 1 - 3

The account is given of the birth of a child to a barren couple.  This child, named as a reminder that he was a 'gift from God', would become the premier priest of his time.  The child, Samuel, was dedicated to the Lord's work by his parents and learned from a very young age to love, obey and serve the God of Israel.  Working as an assistant to the high priest, Eli, Samuel was a stark contrast to the sons of the high priest who used their position for personal advancement despite the sinfulness of their actions.  Eli was warned about his sons' behavior but did nothing to correct them.  Samuel's first prophecy was to pronounce God's judgment on his mentor and his family for their failure to protect and advance God's reputation.