In Context

2 It happened, from the day that the ark stayed in Kiriath Jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after Yahweh.

3 Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, |If you do return to Yahweh with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, and direct your hearts to Yahweh, and serve him only; and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.|

4 Then the children of Israel did put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served Yahweh only.

5 Samuel said, |Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray for you to Yahweh.|

6 They gathered together to Mizpah, and drew water, and poured it out before Yahweh, and fasted on that day, and said there, |We have sinned against Yahweh.| Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.

7 When the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 7:5 in Other Translations