Israel needs leadership, and the Lord meets that need through barren Hannah. He gives a son, Samuel, whom she dedicates to the Lord’s service. She praises the Lord for his compassion to the downtrodden and anticipates a divinely empowered king. Samuel serves under Eli and experiences the Lord’s favor, but Eli’s evil sons abuse their position and reject Eli’s rebuke. The Lord decrees judgment on Eli and his sons for their failure to honor him.