[7] Fragments containing parts of this chapter in Hebrew were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls including 4Q51 (4QSama; 100–50 BCE) with extant verses 1–4, 18–21.

[8][9][10][11] Extant ancient manuscripts of a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint (originally was made in the last few centuries BCE) include Codex Vaticanus (B;

[12][a] The event in this chapter occurred at the end of the era of biblical judges in Israel, about 1100 BC.

[6][17] In a period when divine visions were infrequent, Samuel received his call-vision, which would remove the seat of power from Eli and his family.

[6][22] Jones notes that this verse is indicative both of Samuel's own growth to maturity and his accession to power as a prophet.