← Back to 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 7

17 verses

TL;DR

After Israel’s repentance and Samuel’s intercession, the Lord delivers them from the Philistines, marked by the stone Ebenezer.

Summary

In chapter 7, the Ark of the LORD is brought back to Kirjathjearim, where it remains for twenty years, prompting the house of Israel to lament. Samuel urges Israel to abandon Baalim and Ashtaroth and to repent; the people do so and gather at Mizpeh to fast and offer a sacrificial lamb. Their plea is answered when the Lord thunders upon the Philistines, striking them down, and Israel pursues them to Bethcar. Samuel sets a stone between Mizpeh and Shen, naming it Ebenezer, meaning "The Lord has helped us." The Philistines are subdued, the cities they seized are returned, and peace prevails with the Amorites. Samuel continues to judge Israel throughout his life, traveling to Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpeh, and Ramah, where he also builds an altar.

Outline
  1. 1. Return of the Ark and Israel’s repentance
  2. 2. Samuel’s prayer and divine deliverance
  3. 3. Establishment of Ebenezer and lasting peace
Themes
repentance and restorationfaithful leadershipGod’s deliverance
Keywords
repentancedeliverancefaithjudgmentArkhPhliastines
People
SamuelAbinadabEleazar
Places
KirjathjearimMizpehBethelGilgalRamahShenBethcarEkronGathEbenezer
Things
Ark of the LORDsacrificial lambstone Ebenezerfastingthunder from the Lord
Key Verses
  • 1 Samuel 7:1: Marks the Ark’s return and the start of Israel’s lament
  • 1 Samuel 7:10: Describes the divine thunder that defeats the Philistines
  • 1 Samuel 7:12: Symbolizes God’s help with the stone named Ebenezer
Questions
  • What does the Ark’s long stay in Kirjathjearim signify for Israel’s relationship with God?
  • How does Samuel’s intercession model effective prayer and leadership?
  • What is the significance of naming the stone Ebenezer, and how does it reflect Israel’s faith?
  • In what ways does the restoration of the cities contribute to peace between Israel and the Amorites?
  • How can the themes of repentance and deliverance be applied to contemporary faith communities?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains lament and deliverance, resulting in a balanced emotional tone.