In 1 Samuel, Samuel functions in which roles?

In 1 Samuel, Samuel is pivotal to Israel's transition from the period of the judges to a monarchy. His roles encompass being a prophet, priest, and judge. As a prophet, Samuel communicates God's messages to the people of Israel and serves as a mediator between them and God, exemplifying this in his anointing of both Saul and David.

In his priestly role, Samuel performs sacrifices and rituals, a task that denotes his spiritual leadership within Israel. Lastly, as a judge, he leads the people during times of crisis, providing guidance and delivering them from their enemies, reflecting the judicial responsibilities tied to his role in Israelite society before the establishment of the monarchy. These combined roles are critical as they not only showcase Samuel's multifaceted leadership but also highlight the transitional period of Israel's history during which divine guidance through judges was gradually giving way to human kingship.