2
And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
3
And Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return to the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods, and Ashtaroth, from among you, and prepare your hearts to the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.
4
Then the children of Israel 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 to the LORD.
6
And they assembled at Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and there said, 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 assembled at 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 to the LORD our God for us, that he will save us from the hand of the Philistines.
9
And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered [it for] a burnt-offering wholly to the LORD: and Samuel cried to the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.
10
And as Samuel was offering 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 Beth-car.
12
Then Samuel took a stone, and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.