Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 7:15

"And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life." — 1 Samuel 7:15 (ASV)

Samuel judged Israel... — The repetition of the phrase in 1 Samuel 7:16–17, in connection with Samuel’s circuit, is proof that his civil judgeship is what is meant. The military leadership, of course, belonged to Saul when he became king.