The account of the work of Moses begun in Exodus 1 and 2 with an explanation of the circumstances of his birth and childhood, showing him to be set apart by God as a chosen servant and yet growing up in a situation which taught him about the needs and sufferings of his people. We find that the account of the work of Samuel begins in the same way. Samuel was the first-born son of a woman who dedicated him to the service of God, beyond the requirements of the Covenant Law. As in traditional African society, the life of a woman without a child seemed meaningless in ancient Israelite society. When Hannah's prayer to God for a child was answered, she 'gave' him to God as soon as Samuel was old enough to leave her. He was dedicated to life-long service in the sanctuary at Shiloh, referred to in the previous chapter of this book, where the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were kept. As the account continues, we find that Samuel grew up in a situation where he' soon learned of the corruption which was at the heart of Israelite religious life and which is illustrated by the closing words of the book of Judges-'Everyone did just as he pleased.'