1 Samuel 7
1 Samuel 7 is part of “Samuel: Last of the Judges” (1–7) in the outline of 1 Samuel.
1 Samuel 7 summary
In this chapter we have, I. The eclipsing of the glory of the ark, by its privacy in Kirjath-jearim for many years (Sa1 7:1, Sa1 7:2). II. The appearing of the glory of Samuel in his public services for the good of Israel, to whom he was raised up to be a judge, and he was the last that bore that character.
Read the full introduction
In this chapter we have, I. The eclipsing of the glory of the ark, by its privacy in Kirjath-jearim for many years (Sa1 7:1, Sa1 7:2). II. The appearing of the glory of Samuel in his public services for the good of Israel, to whom he was raised up to be a judge, and he was the last that bore that character. This chapter gives us all the account we have of him when he was in the prime of his time; for what we had before was in his childhood (ch. 2 and 3); what we have of him after was in his old age (Sa1 8:1). We have him here active, 1. In the reformation of Israel from their idolatry (Sa1 7:3, Sa1 7:4). 2. In the reviving of religion among them (Sa1 7:5, Sa1 7:6). 3. In praying for them against the invading Philistines (Sa1 7:7-9), over whom God, in answer to his prayer, gave them a glorious victory (Sa1 7:10, Sa1 7:11). 4. In erecting a thankful memorial of that victory (Sa1 7:12). 5. In the improvement of that victory (Sa1 7:13, Sa1 7:14). 6. In the administration of justice (Sa1 7:15-17). And these were the things for which God was preparing the designing him, in the early vouchsafements of his grace to him.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
1 Samuel 7 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Samuel Leads Israel
1Then the men of Kiriath-iearim came, and tooke vp the Arke of the Lord, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill: and they sanctified Eleazar his sonne, to keepe the Arke of the Lord. 2(For while the Arke abode in Kiriath-iearim, the time was long, for it was twentie yeeres) and al the house of Israel lamented after ye Lord. 3Then Samuel spake vnto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye be come againe vnto the Lord with all your heart, put away the strange gods from among you, and Ashtaroth, and direct your hearts vnto the Lord, and serue him only, and he shall deliuer you out of the hand of ye Philistims. 4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and serued the Lord onely. 5And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you vnto the Lord. 6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drewe water and powred it out before the Lord, and fasted the same day, and sayd there, We haue sinned against the Lord. And Samuel iudged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
Victory Over the Philistines
7When the Philistims heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the princes of the Philistims went vp against Israel: and when the children of Israel heard that, they were afraide of the Philistims. 8And the children of Israel sayd to Samuel, Cease not to crie vnto the Lord our God for vs, that hee may saue vs out of the hand of the Philistims. 9Then Samuel tooke a sucking lambe, and offered it all together for a burnt offering vnto the Lord, and Samuel cryed vnto the Lord for Israel, and the Lord heard him. 10And as Samuel offered the burnt offering, the Philistims came to fight against Israel: but the Lord thundred with a great thunder that day vpon the Philistims, and scattered them: so they were slaine before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went from Mizpeh and pursued the Philistims, and smote them vntill they came vnder Beth-car. 12Then Samuel tooke a stone and pitched it betweene Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name thereof, Eben-ezer, and he sayd, Hitherto hath the Lord holpen vs. 13So the Philistims were brought vnder, and they came no more againe into the coastes of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistims all the dayes of Samuel. 14Also the cities which the Philistims had taken from Israel, were restored to Israel, from Ekron euen to Gath: and Israel deliuered the coastes of the same out of the hands of the Philistims: and there was peace betweene Israel and the Amorites. 15And Samuel iudged Israel all the dayes of his life, 16And went about yeere by yere to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and iudged Israel in all those places. 17Afterward hee returned to Ramah: for there was his house, and there he iudged Israel: also he built an altar there vnto the Lord.