1 Samuel 7:1-4

1 So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD. They brought it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the LORD.

The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all.

Samuel Subdues the Philistines at Mizpah

2 Then all the people of Israel turned back to the LORD.

3 So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”

4 So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only.

1 Samuel 7:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 7

This chapter gives an account of the ark being brought to Kirjathjearim, where it continued twenty years, 1Sa 7:1,2 of the exhortation of Samuel to the people of Israel to reform from idolatry, and which had its desired effect, 1Sa 7:3,4 of Samuel's praying for the people, and offering sacrifices for them, and of the success thereof, victory over their enemies, 1Sa 7:5-14, and of his administration of justice to them, and constancy in it, 1Sa 7:15-17.

Cross References

• 1. S Joshua 6:7
• 2. 2 Samuel 6:3; 1 Chronicles 13:7
• 3. 1 Chronicles 13:5; Psalms 132:6
• 4. 1 Chronicles 13:3
• 5. Deuteronomy 30:10; 2 Kings 18:5; 2 Kings 23:25; Jeremiah 24:7; Isaiah 55:7; Hosea 6:1
• 6. Genesis 35:2; S Genesis 31:19; S Joshua 24:14
• 7. S Judges 2:12-13; 1 Samuel 12:10; 1 Samuel 31:10
• 8. Joel 2:12
• 9. S Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8
• 10. S Judges 2:18