That’s a sharp and thoughtful observation.

The verse you quoted — 1 Samuel 3:19:

“And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground” —
— is indeed a significant affirmation of Samuel’s prophetic authority and reliability at the time of writing. It signals that God confirmed Samuel’s words consistently, meaning that what he spoke in the name of the Lord came to pass, at least within the observable timeframe of those who knew and recorded his life.

Now to your question:

Were there prophecies by Samuel not fulfilled until the finish of 2 Samuel?

Samuel died in 1 Samuel 25, but some of the effects of his prophetic ministry—especially concerning Saul’s downfall and David’s kingship—extend beyond his lifetime and unfold throughout 2 Samuel.

So yes, in a sense, some of Samuel’s prophetic declarations were fulfilled only later, but that does not invalidate the statement in 1 Samuel 3:19. Why?

Here’s why this still makes perfect sense:

1. “None of his words fell to the ground” means that everything he prophesied was true and trustworthy. It does not necessarily mean that everything he said was fulfilled immediately.
   • The phrase emphasizes that God backed Samuel as a prophet.
   • Some prophecies, like the rise of David, were progressive in fulfillment.
   • Similar language is used of other prophets whose words outlived them.
2. From the writer’s point of view, probably writing with hindsight, all that Samuel spoke was vindicated by later events—even if those events came after his death. The readers already knew:
   • Saul was rejected.
   • David was anointed by Samuel and eventually became king.
   • The institutions Samuel helped establish endured.
3. Prophetic scope in Scripture is often telescopic:
   • Some words have short-term and long-term fulfillment.
   • Samuel’s role in establishing the monarchy set the stage not just for David, but ultimately for the messianic hope, which would unfold centuries later.

Conclusion:

The statement in 1 Samuel 3:19 affirms the total trustworthiness of Samuel’s prophetic ministry, not the instant fulfillment of every single word. Even if some of his words were fulfilled after his death (like David’s full establishment), the writer is testifying that none of his words failed, because all came true in due time.

So yes—your insight is spot on. The verse speaks from the perspective of the narrator (likely writing after many events had already unfolded), and it’s a theological affirmation that Samuel was a true prophet whose words carried divine authority — regardless of whether fulfillment was immediate or eventual.

Yes — Samuel is indeed unique among the judges in that he exercised leadership over all Israel from Dan to Beersheba, a phrase that intentionally marks the full geographic extent of the land (Dan in the far north, Beersheba in the south).

Here’s why Samuel stands out:

1. National Recognition (1 Samuel 3:20)

“And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord.”

This is not a throwaway line. It signals something quite significant:

• The people collectively acknowledged Samuel’s role, not just as a prophet, but implicitly also as a leader or judge over the whole nation.
• Earlier judges (like Gideon, Jephthah, Samson) tended to lead regionally, responding to localized threats or tribal issues. Their influence was limited to certain tribes or areas.

Samuel, by contrast:

• Is widely accepted and revered across all tribes.
• Circuits annually between Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah, and returns to Ramah to judge (1 Sam. 7:15–17), showing intentional national coverage.
• Presides over national events — the repentance at Mizpah (1 Sam. 7), anointing of Saul and later David — all involving the whole nation.

2. Dual Role: Prophet and Judge

• Unlike most judges, Samuel is also explicitly a prophet (navi’) — the first major prophetic figure since Moses to speak directly into national leadership and divine will.
• He bridges the era of the Judges and the Kings, functioning as the last judge and the prophet who anoints the first kings.

3. Spiritual and Judicial Authority

• He rebukes kings, intercedes for the nation, leads them in repentance, and governs with moral and divine authority.
• His leadership is rooted in obedience to God, not military conquest or personal ambition.

Summary:

Yes, Samuel is the only judge in the Book of Judges and early Samuel narrative who:

• Exercises leadership over all Israel simultaneously,
• Combines judicial, prophetic, and spiritual authority,
• Has the national trust and divine endorsement.

He’s a transitional and exceptional figure — the bridge from tribal confederacy to monarchy, and the model of what righteous leadership should look like under God.