One night, Samuel heard a voice calling his name. According to the first-century Jewish historian Josephus, Samuel was 12 years old. Samuel initially assumed it was coming from Eli and went to Eli to ask what he wanted. Eli, however, sent Samuel back to sleep.

how old was samuel when he became judge

Samuel, near age 38, begins his judgeship c 1102 BC, after Eli died. Adam Clarke Commentary 1Sm. 7:15 “Samuel is supposed to have lived 100 years; he did not begin to judge Israel till he was about 40 years of age.” 5:1–6:21 the Philistines kept the ark of God for 7 months (6:1).