1 And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
2 And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.
6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard [it], they were afraid of the Philistines.
8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered [it for] a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.
10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until [they came] under Bethcar.
12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
14 And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.
15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
16 And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.
17 And his return [was] to Ramah; for there [was] his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.
Overview of 1 Samuel Chapter 7
1 Samuel Chapter 7 is a pivotal chapter in the narrative of Israel’s transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of monarchy. This chapter highlights the themes of repentance, divine intervention, and the importance of leadership in Israel’s history.
Key Events
- Return of the Ark of the Covenant
- Israel’s Repentance and Restoration
- Samuel as a Leader and Judge
- Victory over the Philistines
- Establishment of a memorial stone
Detailed Analysis
Return of the Ark of the Covenant
After being captured by the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant returns to Israel. The people of Kiriath-Jearim take care of the Ark, and it remains there for twenty years. This period signifies a time of mourning and longing for God’s presence among the Israelites.
Israel’s Repentance and Restoration
As the chapter opens, the Israelites recognize their need for repentance. They gather at Mizpah, where they express their sorrow for their sins against God. This act of collective repentance is crucial as it sets the stage for their restoration and renewal of faith.
- Gathering at Mizpah
- Confession of sins
- Desire for divine assistance
Samuel as a Leader and Judge
Samuel plays a central role in this chapter as a spiritual leader. He leads the people in prayer and sacrifices, demonstrating his commitment to God and the nation. His leadership is characterized by:
- Guidance in spiritual matters
- Intercession on behalf of the people
- Call to return to God with sincere hearts
Victory over the Philistines
As the Philistines gather to attack Israel, Samuel offers a burnt offering to God, seeking His intervention. God responds by sending a thunderstorm, which causes panic among the Philistines. This miraculous victory reinforces the power of God when His people turn to Him in faith.
Establishment of a Memorial Stone
After the victory, Samuel sets up a stone named Ebenezer, meaning “stone of help,” to commemorate God’s assistance. This act serves as a reminder for future generations of God’s faithfulness and the importance of reliance on Him.
Theological Themes
- Repentance and Forgiveness: The chapter emphasizes the necessity of turning back to God for forgiveness and restoration.
- Divine Sovereignty: God’s control over the events, including the victory over the Philistines, showcases His sovereignty.
- Leadership and Responsibility: Samuel’s role illustrates the importance of godly leadership in guiding the nation towards righteousness.
Conclusion
1 Samuel Chapter 7 serves as a significant moment in Israel’s history, illustrating the power of repentance, the importance of spiritual leadership, and the faithfulness of God in delivering His people. The events in this chapter lay the groundwork for the future establishment of monarchy in Israel, highlighting the need for a leader who is aligned with God’s will.
