1 Samuel 7:17
And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD. And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.
Ramah was Samuel's home and the base from which he judged and governed Israel. From that center he also traveled annually to Mizpeh, Gilgal, and Ramah to administer justice. He judged Israel from his youth until he was becoming old.
His work at Ramah was divinely given and united in him the three offices of judge, prophet, and priest. He was a righteous and impartial judge, faithful in his laborious work and untiring and unselfish in zeal for the welfare of his people. He governed with a wisdom and success greater than any government since the days of Joshua. Under his wise control the nation prospered, order was restored, godliness was promoted, and the spirit of discontent was checked for a time.
With advancing years he could no longer carry the cares of government alone, so while he continued his duties at Ramah he appointed his two sons as assistants and stationed them at Beersheba to administer justice for the people near the southern border. His sons who aided him did not follow his footsteps; though not vile like the children of Eli, they were dishonest and double-minded, and love of reward led them to favor the cause of the unrighteous.