1 Samuel 7:17

“And his return was to Ramah, etc.] When he had gone his circuit, he came back to this city, which was his native place, and where his father and mother had dwelt, (see <090101>1 Samuel 1:1) for there was his house; and his father’s house before him, and perhaps the same, (<090119>1 Samuel 1:19) and there he judged Israel; here was his fixed residence, and here he was always to be met with, except when on his circuit; and hither the people of Israel might come from all parts, to have justice done them between man and man, or receive information in matters of difficulty and importance: and there he built an altar unto the Lord: to offer his own sacrifices, and the sacrifices of the people,…”

“And there he built an altar - Whether this altar was in connection with the tabernacle or not we have no means of deciding, since we are in complete ignorance as to where the tabernacle was at this time, or who was High Priest, or where he resided. It is quite possible that Samuel may have removed the tabernacle from Shiloh to some place near to Ramah; and indeed it is in itself improbable that, brought up as he was from infancy in the service of the tabernacle, he should have left it. At the beginning of Solomon’s reign we know it was at Gibeon, close to Raimah 1Ki 3:4; 2 Chronicles 1:3, 2 Chronicles 1:6. If the tabernacle had been at Shiloh at this time, it is likely that Shiloh would have…”

“Built an altar - That by joining sacrifices with his prayers, he might the better obtain direction and assistance from God upon all emergencies. And this was done by prophetical inspiration, as appears by God's acceptance of the sacrifices offered upon it. Indeed Shiloh being now laid waste, and no other place yet appointed for them to bring their offerings to, the law which obliged them to one place, was for the present suspended. Therefore, as the patriarchs did, he built an altar where he lived: and that not only for the use of his own family, but for the good of the country who resorted to it. Next: 1 Kings (1 Samuel) Chapter 8”

“7:17 Ramah was Samuel’s hometown (see 1:1).”

“his return: Sa1 1:1, Sa1 1:19, Sa1 8:4, Sa1 19:18-23 he built: Sa1 11:15; Gen 12:7, Gen 12:8, Gen 33:20, Gen 35:7; Jdg 21:5; Kg1 18:30-36 Next: 1 Kings (1 Samuel) Chapter 8”