Final answer:
Samuel was not only a judge but also served as a prophet in ancient Israel, playing a key role in the transition from the period of Judges to the monarchy by anointing Saul and David as kings. He greatly influenced the formation and direction of the united monarchy of Israel before its eventual division into Israel and Judah. The correct option to complete the sentence is F) prophet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Samuel was a significant figure in the history of ancient Israel and served as both a judge and a prophet (Option F). The biblical accounts describe Samuel in the context of the transition from the period of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He played a crucial role in anointing both Saul and David as kings of Israel.
The period of Saul, David, and Solomon is known as the united monarchy, during which Israel experienced growth politically and economically. However, after the death of Solomon, the kingdom split into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
Solomon's successor was his son Rehoboam, and it was during his reign that the kingdom divided due to discontent with Solomon's policies of taxation and labor. Notable for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, Solomon solidified Israel's presence and its religion with a single focus on the worship of Yahweh. This united period was followed by the divided monarchy, leading to varied destinies for the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with the latter maintaining a more conservative approach to its traditions and identity.
The history of these kingdoms is intertwined with the geopolitics of the ancient Near East, including trade relations, military conquests, and cultural exchanges.
In this light, the correct option to fill in the blank is F) prophet, which accurately describes Samuel's role alongside his judicial responsibilities.