And all Israel, from Dan even unto Beersheba,.... That is, from the most northern border of the land of Israel, on which Dan lay, to the utmost border of it southward, where Beersheba was, the fame of Samuel for his piety, prudence, and prophecy, was spread abroad; so that all
knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord; or that he was faithful z to God and man, to be credited in what he said; and so a fit man to be a prophet of the Lord, being eminently qualified with gifts by him for that office; the Targum is,
"that Samuel was faithful in the words of the prophecy of the Lord,''
in relating them.
z נאמן "fidelis", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version.