Who led Yisrael in the 20 years that the Aron was in Kiryas Ye'arim?
Malbim: Shmuel ruled for 11 1 years, Sha'ul for two years, and David for seven years in Chevron.
Eli became Shofet the day of Chanah's prayer (Seder Olam 13 and other Midrashim) and ruled for 40 years. Shmuel [was born six months after the Tefilah] and lived another 12 and a half years! He died seven months before Sha'ul, so about the last year and a half is considered Sha'ul's leadership, and not Shmuel's. (PF)
What is the meaning of "va'Yinahu"?
Rashi #1: They were drawn after [Hashem]. 1
Rashi citing Menachem: It is an expression of wailing, like Nehi and Nihyah (Michah 2:4). They mourned their evil deeds 2 , and turned to [follow] Hashem.
Rashi #2: They gathered. The Targum of "v'Nikvu Eleha Kol ha'Goyim" (Yirmeyah 3:17) is v'Yisnehon l'Miflach Bah. Also "Lo Mehem v'Lo me'Hamonam... v'Lo No'ah Bahem" (Yechezkel 7:11) is like this - not from their gathering.
Rashi: This was due to seeing the punishment Hashem brought on them due to the sins of Beis Eli, Hashem's power against Pelishtim, and Shmuel went from city to city to judge them and rebuke them.
Radak: The resulted from seeing the Kedushah of the Aron and that Hashem is Elokim (Malbim - and does miracles for those who fear Him). They regretted having served Nochri gods.
