08: Genuine devotion to the Lord and Mizpah victory ( 1Samuel 7:2 – 17)

When they repented from their hearts and humbly sought God’s deliverance, they experienced God’s salvation. 

πŸ‘‰ Read 1Samuel 7:2 - 17


Q1. They longed for the Lord, and Samuel exhorted them, “If you are really turning to the Lord with all your (            ), remove idols from among (          ), give your (           ) to the Lord, and serve him (          ). Then He will deliver you.” (1 – 4). Samuel gathered people at (             ), and they fasted and confessed their (           ) (5  -  6). When the Philistines came to attack, people said to Samuel, ‘(            ) crying out to the Lord our God so that he (       ) save us.” As Samuel prayed, God answered him. (7 – 9)

They longed for the Lord, and Samuel exhorted them, “If you are really turning to the Lord with all your ( hearts  ), remove idols from among ( you ), give your ( heart ) to the Lord, and serve him ( only  ). Then He will deliver you.” (1 – 4). Samuel gathered people at ( Mizpah  ), and they fasted and confessed their ( sins ) (5  -  6). When the Philistines came to attack, people said to Samuel, ‘( Keep  ) crying out to the Lord our God so that he ( may ) save us.” As Samuel prayed, God answered him. (7 – 9)


The author highlights the importance of sincere repentance, from the heart. 

This is the first instance of confessing sins from their hearts, motivated by a genuine desire to return to the Lord, rather than seeking escape from enemies as in Judges 10.

When they gathered for national repentance, the Philistines attacked them. This shows that seeking God's kingdom can make us vulnerable to worldly attacks, whether in finance or relationships. However, God listens to our prayers for help. 

They learned that they couldn't force God's help; they could only pray. This was different from when they brought the Ark into battle, expecting it to guarantee victory.

The ark remained at Abinadab’s house in Kiriath Jearim for twenty years. Why was it not moved to the Tabernacle, which was supposedly in Gilgal after Shiloh’s destruction by the Philistines? The people feared disaster if they attempted to move it. However, there would have been no issue if it had been transported by the Levites, following God's instructions, to its rightful place in the Tabernacle.




Q2. Find expressions telling that the Lord God helped the Israelites. (10 - 13)

“The Lord thundered loudly against the Philistines. He caused them to panic.” 

“The Lord has helped us” 

“The hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”


God’s weapon is the force of nature and the power to attack their hearts directly. He only threatened them with the thunder sound.

"Ebenezer": A Stone of Help. 

“All the days of Samuel” The Lord answered Samuel’s prayer and protected the Israelites while he was alive. Salvation through one man.



Q3. The captured towns were returned to Israel, and there was (             ) between Israel and the Amorites. Samuel led Israel (      ) the days of his life. (                ) he used to travel and judge Israel in (      ) these places: Bethel, Gigal, Mizpah, and (             ).

The captured towns were returned to Israel, and there was ( peace ) between Israel and the Amorites. Samuel led Israel ( all ) the days of his life. ( year after year  ) he used to travel and judge Israel in ( all  ) these places: Bethel, Gigal, Mizpah, and ( Ramah ).


No judge had served as passionately as Samuel. He likely taught and explained God's laws and encouraged the people to follow God’s ways. This marked a significant turning point in the Old Testament: it was the first time a servant of God began a ministry centered around teaching God’s words, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6-9.



True repentance comes from the heart and is driven by a sincere desire to return to God. It is more than just admitting faults to avoid trouble or embarrassment; it involves a deep recognition of guilt and a strong desire to reconnect with God.

This passage answers the question, "Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God?" 

It is not through compulsion or manipulation, but through genuine repentance from your heart that you will experience His power. When they didn’t know how to return to the Lord or what the Lord’s will was, Samuel taught and led Israel all his life.

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).


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