1 Samuel 7:7

7 Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard it, ¹they were afraid of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 7:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 7:7

And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were
gathered together to Mizpeh
Not knowing it was upon a religious account; but supposing they met to form schemes and measures to cast off their yoke, and deliver themselves out of their hands; and were preparing to take up arms, and fall upon them:

the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel;
with forces out of their several principalities united to fight with them; judging it advisable to lose no time, but attack them before they were well prepared and provided to defend themselves:

and when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the
Philistines;
because they were unarmed, and not at all prepared for war, and having no expectation of it.

1 Samuel 7:7 In-Context

5 Then Samuel said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the LORD for you."

6 They gathered to Mizpah, 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 sons of Israel at Mizpah.

7 Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

8 Then the sons of Israel said to Samuel, "Do not cease to cry to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines."

9 Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it for a whole burnt offering to the LORD ; and Samuel cried to the LORD for Israel and the LORD answered him.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Samuel 13:6; 1 Samuel 17:11