6. Samuel judged . . . Israel in Mizpeh—At the time of Eli's death he could not have much exceeded twenty years of age; and although his character and position must have given him great influence, it does not appear that hitherto he had done more than prophets were wont to do. Now he entered on the duties of a civil magistrate. :-. WHILE SAMUEL PRAYS, THE PHILISTINES ARE DISCOMFITED. read more
A. Samuel’s Ministry as Israel’s Judges 7:2-17As a totally dedicated Nazarite who followed the stipulations of the Mosaic Covenant as best he could, Samuel became a source of deliverance for Israel. The writer recorded two deliverances in this chapter.This section sounds more like the Book of Judges than does any other in 1 or 2 Samuel. The cycle of religious experience repeated six times in that book occurs here as well. That cycle consists of blessing, apostasy, discipline, repentance,... read more
III. SAMUEL AND SAUL 7:2-15:35This third major part of 1 Samuel contains three subsections: Samuel’s ministry as Israel’s judge (1 Samuel 7:2-17), the kingship given to Saul (chs. 8-12), and the kingship removed from Saul (chs. 13-15). The main point seems to be Israel’s unjustified dissatisfaction with her sovereign God and its awful consequences. In spite of His people’s rejection, the Lord continued to show them mercy and faithfulness. read more
2. National repentance and deliverance 7:5-14Mizpah (lit. watchtower, indicating an elevated site) was about two miles northwest of Samuel’s hometown, Ramah, on the central Benjamin plateau. [Note: On the significance of the six-fold repetition of Mizpah in this story, see John A. Beck, "The Narrative-Geographical Shaping of 1 Samuel 7:5-13," Bibliotheca Sacra 162:647 (July-September 2005):299-309.] Pouring out water symbolized the people’s feeling of total inability to make an effective... read more
Samuel delivers Israel from the PhilistinesThe narrative in this chapter is taken from a different source from the account which precedes.2. Twenty years] The time is reckoned till Israel’s repentance and not to the removal of the ark by David (2 Samuel 6:2). 3, 4. These vv. appear to be anticipatory and in order of time to follow 1 Samuel 7:5, 1 Samuel 7:6. 4. Baalim and Ashtaroth] see on Judges 2:11, Judges 2:13. 5. Mizpeh] in Benjamin.Pray] Samuel was noted as a man of prayer (cp. Psalms... read more
(6) And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.—For some quarter of a century Samuel had been the principal personage among the people, and had, no doubt, long exercised the varied functions of the “judges” of Israel; but the tribes were scattered, their fortresses in the hand of enemies, there was scarcely any national life in that gloomy period in the people. In the first general assembly of the tribes the rank and position which Samuel had long really filled are publicly acknowledged. read more
Reconquests 1 Samuel 7:14 We have to dwell upon reconquests, upon the taking back of cities which we ought never to have lost. I do not speak of cities in the ordinary sense of the term, but I speak of the great losses which the Church meaning by the term Church all its sections and communions has forfeited or lost or unworthily abandoned. There will be a great day of restoration; the Church of Christ has much property to reclaim. The Church is very guilty in all this matter; the Church has... read more
CHAPTER VIII.REPENTANCE AND REVIVAL.1 Samuel 7:1-9.WITH the men of Bethshemesh the presence of the ark had become the same terror as it had been successively at Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron. Instead of the savour of life to life, it had proved a savour of death to death. Instead of a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, it had become a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. They sent therefore to their neighbours at Kirjath-jearim, and begged them to come down and remove the ark. This they readily... read more
7. The Return Unto Jehovah and the Deliverance CHAPTER 7:3-14 1. Samuel’s message and the response of the people (1 Samuel 7:3-4 ) 2. Gathered at Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:5-6 ) 3. The deliverance (1 Samuel 7:7-14 ) Samuel now is seen beginning his great national ministry. The message he brings is the message of repentance and the assurance of faith. In simple words he addressed the people, who no doubt were prepared for it by their long period of humiliation. He demands that their true return... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 7:6
1 Samuel 7:6. They gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out— The reason why they drew water and poured it out, says Houbigant, is expressed in the next words; for they fasted that day. So David poured on the ground the water which some of his soldiers brought him at the hazard of their lives through the midst of the enemy; for this was a part of the ceremonial of fasting. The Chaldee, however, renders the words, they poured out their souls in penitence, like waters before... read more