2:11 I raised up . . . prophets. The Lord sovereignly raised up prophets (Deut. 18:15–22), judges (Judg. 2:18), priests (1 Sam. 2:35), and kings (2 Sam. 7:12). The prophets served as covenant lawsuit messengers, sent to recall the people to obedience.

Nazirites. See note Num. 6:1–21. The Old Testament mentions Samson by name as a Nazirite (Judg. 13:4, 5). Samuel was probably a Nazirite as well (1 Sam. 1:11 note).