📖 1 Samuel — Chapter 7 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
1 Samuel 7:1 And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of RAbinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
1 Samuel 7:2 And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel Rlamented after the LORD.
1 Samuel 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do Rreturn unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
1 Samuel 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
1 Samuel 7:5 And Samuel said, RGather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.
1 Samuel 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and Rdrew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
1 Samuel 7:7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were Rafraid of the Philistines.
1 Samuel 7:8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, RTCease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
1 Samuel 7:9 And Samuel took Ra sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD Theard him.
1 Samuel 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD Rthundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
1 Samuel 7:11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
1 Samuel 7:12 Then Samuel Rtook a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it TEbenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
1 Samuel 7:13 So the Philistines were Rsubdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
1 Samuel 7:14 And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was Rpeace between Israel and the Amorites.
1 Samuel 7:15 And Samuel Rjudged Israel all the days of his life.
1 Samuel 7:16 And he went from year to year RTin circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.
1 Samuel 7:17 And Rhis return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
1 Samuel 7:1–6 — Return to the LORD at Mizpeh
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The ark stays at Abinadab's house under Eleazar's care. Samuel calls Israel to return wholeheartedly and put away other gods. At Mizpeh they fast and confess sin. Repentance is shown in both worship and changed allegiance.
Key Truth: Returning to the LORD includes removing rival objects of worship.
Check What You Remember
1. In whose house was the ark kept? (1 Samuel 7:1)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:1 (KJV).
2. Whom was Israel to serve exclusively? (1 Samuel 7:3)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:3 (KJV).
3. Where did Israel gather to confess? (1 Samuel 7:6)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:6 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
1 Samuel 7:7–12 — Prayer, deliverance, and Ebenezer
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Threatened by the Philistines, Israel asks Samuel to keep praying. The LORD hears and thunders against the enemy. Samuel sets a stone named Ebenezer to remember the help received, making the victory a testimony of dependence.
Key Truth: Samuel's memorial credits the LORD for Israel's help.
Check What You Remember
1. What animal did Samuel offer? (1 Samuel 7:9)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:9 (KJV).
2. What did the LORD send against the Philistines? (1 Samuel 7:10)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:10 (KJV).
3. What name did Samuel give the stone? (1 Samuel 7:12)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:12 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
1 Samuel 7:13–17 — Restored territory and Samuel's circuit
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The Philistines are subdued and captured territory is restored. Samuel judges throughout his life, making a regular circuit to several towns and returning to Ramah. The account joins a moment of rescue with ongoing public service.
Key Truth: Faithful leadership includes continuing responsibilities after a crisis passes.
Check What You Remember
1. Which city is named with Ekron in the restored territory? (1 Samuel 7:14)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:14 (KJV).
2. For how long did Samuel judge Israel? (1 Samuel 7:15)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:15 (KJV).
3. Where was Samuel's home? (1 Samuel 7:17)
Find it in 1 Samuel 7:17 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Joshua 24:23 — Samuel's call to put away strange gods echoes Joshua's earlier charge.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
What would a truthful memorial of God's help say? Notice the repentance and prayer that precede Ebenezer.
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What does Samuel require alongside returning to the LORD with all their hearts?
2. What accompanies Israel’s gathering at Mizpeh?
3. What role do prayer and divine action have in the battle?
4. What does Samuel’s explanation of Ebenezer look back upon?
5. How is Samuel’s public circuit connected with his home?
Notes
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