1 Samuel 7

In 1 Samuel 7, Israel finally turns back to God under Samuel's leadership. They are oppressed by the Philistines, but through repentance and Samuel's intercession, God gives them victory. This chapter shows Israel's renewed dedication to God, Samuel's role as a judge, and God's power over their enemies when they remain faithful to Him.

1 Samuel 7:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Then the men of Kirjath Jearim came and took the ark of the Lord, and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord.
2 So it was that the ark remained in Kirjath Jearim a long time; it was there twenty years. And all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.

Israel had lost the ark of the covenant to the Philistines, but when the Philistines returned it, it stayed in Kirjath Jearim for 20 years. The people's lamentation signifies their longing for God's presence and their recognition that they had distanced themselves from Him. This period of spiritual dryness sets the stage for a national revival under Samuel's leadership.

1 Samuel 7:3 (NKJV)
3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

Samuel calls the Israelites to genuine repentance. This involves not only seeking God but also removing the idols they had embraced. He emphasizes that true worship of God requires undivided loyalty. In return for their faithfulness, Samuel assures them of God's deliverance from the Philistines, their oppressors.

1 Samuel 7:4-5 (NKJV)
4 So the children of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and served the Lord only.
5 And Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.”

The people respond to Samuel’s call by abandoning their idols, a decisive step toward spiritual restoration. Samuel then organizes a national gathering at Mizpah, where he intends to intercede for them. This shows his role not just as a prophet but also as a mediator between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of communal repentance and prayer.

1 Samuel 7:6 (NKJV)
6 So they gathered together at Mizpah, drew water, and poured it out before the Lord. And they fasted that day, and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the children of Israel at Mizpah.

The pouring of water symbolizes humility and submission before God, as the Israelites confess their sins. Fasting demonstrates their deep sorrow and repentance. Samuel’s role as judge highlights his leadership in guiding the people back to God and overseeing their spiritual renewal. This moment marks a turning point in Israel’s relationship with God.

1 Samuel 7:7 (NKJV)
7 Now when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

The Philistines interpret Israel's gathering as a threat and decide to attack. The Israelites, having been previously defeated by the Philistines, are filled with fear. This fear reveals their vulnerability and the formidable power of their enemies, but it also sets the stage for God’s intervention on their behalf.

1 Samuel 7:8-9 (NKJV)
8 So the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”
9 And Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. Then Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him.

In their fear, the Israelites turn to Samuel, asking him to intercede for them. Samuel offers a burnt offering, which signifies complete surrender to God. His prayer and the sacrifice are acts of faith, and God responds, affirming that He is with them. This reflects the power of intercession and sacrificial worship in obtaining divine favor.

1 Samuel 7:10 (NKJV)
10 Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, and so confused them that they were overcome before Israel.

As Samuel offers the sacrifice, God intervenes supernaturally. The thunder represents God’s power, and it confuses the Philistines, leading to their defeat. This victory is clearly attributed to divine intervention, not Israel’s military might, showing that God fights for His people when they rely on Him.

1 Samuel 7:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and drove them back as far as below Beth Car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

The Israelites, empowered by God's intervention, chase the Philistines and drive them back. Samuel sets up a stone called "Ebenezer," which means "stone of help," as a reminder of God’s deliverance. This memorial serves to remind future generations of God's faithfulness and power in their history.

1 Samuel 7:13-14 (NKJV)
13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
14 Then the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered its territory from the hands of the Philistines. Also there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

The Philistines, who had been a constant threat, were subdued, and the Israelites regained their lost cities. God's protection over Israel was evident throughout Samuel's leadership. Even the Amorites, another neighboring people, maintained peace with Israel. This shows how God not only delivered Israel but also secured lasting peace during Samuel's time as judge.

1 Samuel 7:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
16 He went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places.
17 But he always returned to Ramah, for his home was there. There he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the Lord.

Samuel’s lifelong role as judge involved traveling throughout Israel to administer justice and lead the people. His regular circuit reflects his dedication to maintaining spiritual and judicial order. His home in Ramah, where he built an altar, became a central place for his leadership, showing his personal commitment to worship and service to God.