As soon as Samuel began to judge Israel, even in his youth, he called an assembly of the people for fasting and prayer, and deep humiliation before God. He bore his solemn testimony from the mouth of God. The people then began to learn where their strength was. They entreated Samuel to cease not to cry unto God for them. Their enemies were aroused to meet them in battle, but God heard prayer in their behalf. He wrought for them, and victory turned on the side of Israel. {4T 517.4}

Lige så snart Samuel begyndte at dømme Israel, endog i sin ungdom, kaldte han en forsamling af folket til faste og bøn og dyb ydmygelse for Gud. Han frembar sit højtidelige vidnesbyrd fra Guds mund. Da begyndte folket at lære, hvor deres styrke var. De bønfaldt Samuel om ikke at stoppe (518) sine råb til Gud, for dem. Deres fjender vækkes til krig imod dem, men Gud hørte bønnerne til deres fordel. Han arbejdede for dem og sejren blev vendt til Israels side.