1 Samuel: the Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip Through the Bible. Samuel, the last of the judges and first of the prophets, was instrumental in the transition to the Kings and Israel's earthly kingdom. There are many good examples of prayer, while others in the book rejected prayer for other things. The people rejected God and chose an earthly king. The first king Saul rejected obedience and chose to serve self. So God rejected Saul and chose David. Reject self and serve the Lord!