1 Samuel 7:7

7 When the Philistine rulers heard that Israel had gathered at Mizpah, they mobilized their army and advanced. The Israelites were badly frightened when they learned that the Philistines were approaching.

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 told them, “Gather all of Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD for you.”

6 So they gathered at Mizpah and, in a great ceremony, drew water from a well and poured it out before the LORD . They also went without food all day and confessed that they had sinned against the LORD . (It was at Mizpah that Samuel became Israel’s judge.)

7 When the Philistine rulers heard that Israel had gathered at Mizpah, they mobilized their army and advanced. The Israelites were badly frightened when they learned that the Philistines were approaching.

8 “Don’t stop pleading with the LORD our God to save us from the Philistines!” they begged Samuel.

9 So Samuel took a young lamb and offered it to the LORD as a whole burnt offering. He pleaded with the LORD to help Israel, and the LORD answered him.