1 Samuel 7:7

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.

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 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.