1 Samuel 7:7 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 7:7-12

Here, I. The Philistines invade Israel (1 Sam. 7:7), taking umbrage from that general meeting for repentance and prayer as if it had been a rendezvous for war, and, if so, they thought it prudent to keep the war out of their own country. They had no just cause for this suspicion; but those that seek to do mischief to others will be forward to imagine that others design mischief to them. Now see here, 1. How evil sometimes seems to come out of good. The religious meeting of the Israelites at... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 7:7

The Philistines went up against Israel - They went to give them battle before that, by continual accessions of numbers, they should become too powerful. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 7:1-12

Steps of return to God. The whole interest of this passage is moral. No stress is laid on the forms, or even the authorised appurtenances, of religion. The ark, of which we have heard so much, and which had been treated with a singular mixture of superstition and profanity, plays no part in the history. It is left for years in a quiet retreat. Israel had backslidden from the Lord. The steps of their return have a meaning and a moral lesson for all generations. I. THE FEELING OF A... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 7:3-12

Ebenezer. The facts are— 1 . Samuel calls on the people to prove their desire to return to God by putting away idols and preparing their hearts for a blessing. 2 . A response to the call is followed by a summons to Mizpah for prayer and humiliation. 3 . A rumoured approach of the Philistines excites fear, and an urgent request for Samuel's intercession with God. 4 . While Samuel is engaged in worship God discomfits the assailing Philistines by thunder. 5 . The victory... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 7:7

This implies a united invasion by the whole Philistine force. Hence, the terror of the Israelites. (Compare Judges 15:11.) read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 7:7

1 Samuel 7:7. The lords of the Philistines went up With an army, suspecting the effects of their general convention, and intending to nip them in the bud. They were afraid Being a company of unarmed persons, and unfit for battle. When sinners begin to repent and reform, they must expect Satan will muster all his forces against them, and set his instruments at work to the uttermost, to oppose and discourage them. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 7:2-17

Samuel’s leadership (7:2-17)During the years of Philistine oppression, Samuel’s position as chief ruler in Israel became firmly established. As a religious leader he commanded the people to turn from idols and worship the Lord only, and the people responded (2-6a). As a civil leader he settled disputes among them (6b). In response to the people’s repentance and Samuel’s prayers for them, God gave Israel a great victory over the Philistines (7-11). The Israelites continued to fight against the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 7:7

lords. See note on Joshua 13:3 . read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 7:7

7-11. when the Philistines heard, &c.—The character and importance of the national convention at Mizpeh were fully appreciated by the Philistines. They discerned in it the rising spirit of religious patriotism among the Israelites that was prepared to throw off the yoke of their domination. Anxious to crush it at the first, they made a sudden incursion while the Israelites were in the midst of their solemn celebration. Unprepared for resistance, they besought Samuel to supplicate the divine... read more