Samuel Judges Israel and Delivers Them at Mizpah
1 Samuel 7:2-17
1 S.7.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מיום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבת: VERB,qal,inf
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בקרית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- יערים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וירבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וינהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.6:2 (structural): Later narrative about bringing the ark to Jerusalem; connects to 1 Sam 7:2's report that the ark had been at Kiriath‑jearim for a long time and sets up the ark's subsequent relocations.
- 1 Chron.13:6 (structural): Chronicles retells the history of the ark’s movements (fetching it from the house where it rested) and thus parallels the report that the ark stood at Kiriath‑jearim for many years.
- Judg.10:10 (thematic): Describes Israel crying out to the LORD and seeking deliverance after sin and oppression; parallels 1 Sam 7:2–3’s theme of national turning/crying to Yahweh and seeking restoration.
- 2 Chron.7:14 (thematic): Promises that if God’s people repent and seek the LORD he will heal the land — a later theological formulation that echoes the repentance/return motif implied in 1 Sam 7:2–3 when Israel turns back to the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the day that the ark remained in Kiriath‑Jearim there passed many days — twenty years — and all the house of Israel longed for the LORD.
- From the day the ark rested in Kiriath‑jearim the days were many; it was twenty years, and all the house of Israel longed for the LORD.
1 S.7.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- כל: DET
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אם: CONJ
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבבכם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- שבים: VERB,qal,ptc,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הסירו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הנכר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מתוככם: PREP+PRON,2,mp
- והעשתרות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
- והכינו: VERB,hiphil,impv,2,mp
- לבבכם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועבדהו: VERB,qal,impv,2,mp,3,ms
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויצל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מיד: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- Joshua 24:14-15 (verbal): Call to 'put away' foreign gods and to choose to serve Yahweh alone—language and imperative closely parallel Samuel’s injunction to remove foreign deities and serve the LORD only.
- 1 Samuel 12:20-25 (structural): Samuel’s earlier farewell/renewal speech: a covenantal appeal to fear and serve the LORD with all the heart and a warning not to turn aside—same prophetial exhortation and covenantal framework within 1 Samuel.
- 2 Chronicles 15:12-13 (thematic): Asa’s reform: the people swear to the LORD, remove foreign altars/Asherahs, and 'serve the LORD only'—a later parallel instance of covenant renewal, removal of idols, and exclusive service to Yahweh.
- Deuteronomy 6:14-15 (allusion): Torah injunction not to follow other gods and to fear/serve the LORD—Samuel’s demand presupposes this Deuteronomic principle as the normative expectation for Israel’s exclusive worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said to all the house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you; direct your hearts to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines."
- Samuel said to all the house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods from among you and the Ashtaroth, and prepare your hearts to the LORD and serve him alone; and he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines."
1 S.7.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסירו: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הבעלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- העשתרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויעבדו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 2:11-13 (verbal): Describes Israel's apostasy in nearly the same terms—they forsook Yahweh and served Baalim and Ashtaroth, matching the language and issue 1 Sam 7:4 addresses.
- Judges 6:25-27 (structural): Gideon tears down the altar of Baal and cuts down the Asherah pole—an act of removing foreign cultic images analogous to Israel's removal of the Baalim and Ashtaroth.
- Joshua 24:14-15 (thematic): Joshua's call to 'fear the LORD and serve him only' and his challenge to choose whom to serve parallels the demand in 1 Sam 7:4 for exclusive worship of Yahweh.
- Deuteronomy 6:14-15 (thematic): The law's prohibition against following other gods and warning about Yahweh's jealousy undergirds the theological imperative behind removing Baal/Ashtaroth and serving the LORD alone.
- 1 Kings 18:21 (thematic): Elijah's confrontation—'How long will you waver... If the LORD is God, follow him'—echoes the insistence on single-minded devotion to Yahweh reflected in 1 Sam 7:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the Israelites removed the Baalim and the Ashtaroth, and they served the LORD alone.
- So the children of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
1 S.7.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קבצו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצפתה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואתפלל: CONJ+VERB,hithpael,impf,1,_,sg
- בעדכם: PREP,2,mp
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 20:26 (structural): All Israel gathers before the LORD at a central sanctuary, weeps and inquires of God—parallel pattern of national assembly and seeking Yahweh.
- Exodus 32:11-14 (thematic): Moses intercedes for Israel to avert divine judgment—leader-prayer for the people mirrors Samuel's promise to pray for Israel.
- Numbers 14:13-19 (thematic): Moses pleads with God on behalf of the nation, appealing to God's reputation and covenant—another example of prophetic intercession for Israel.
- 1 Kings 8:33-40 (thematic): Solomon's prayer asks God to hear and forgive when the people gather, repent and pray toward the temple—similar link of national gathering, repentance, and divine response.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (thematic): A canonical summons: if my people humble themselves, pray and seek my face, I will heal their land—reflects the theology behind Samuel's call to gather and pray.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said, "Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD for you."
- Samuel said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will entreat the LORD on your behalf."
1 S.7.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקבצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- המצפתה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישאבו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וישפכו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויצומו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- שם: ADV
- חטאנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישפט: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במצפה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 20:26-28 (structural): A national assembly before God in a time of crisis: the people gather at the sanctuary, fast/weep and seek the LORD—parallels the communal gathering, fasting, and seeking of God at Mizpah.
- Nehemiah 9:1-3 (thematic): The people assemble, fast, put on sackcloth, confess the sins of Israel and stand to hear the law—echoes the covenantal confession and public repentance in 1 Sam 7:6.
- Daniel 9:3-5 (thematic): Daniel sets himself to seek the LORD by prayer and fasting and offers a corporate confession of Israel’s sins—reflects the motif of fasting and national confession found in 1 Sam 7:6.
- Joel 2:12-13 (thematic): A prophetic summons to return to the LORD with fasting, weeping and repentance (‘rend your heart’)—parallels the call to humble, confessing worship in 1 Sam 7:6.
- Psalm 51:1-4 (verbal): David’s candid confession of sin and plea for mercy (‘have mercy on me… for I have sinned’) parallels the explicit corporate confession ‘we have sinned against the LORD’ in 1 Sam 7:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- They gathered at Mizpah, and they drew water and poured it out before the LORD; they fasted on that day and said there, "We have sinned against the LORD." Samuel judged the sons of Israel at Mizpah.
- They gathered at Mizpah; they drew water and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day. They said there, "We have sinned against the LORD." Samuel judged the children of Israel at Mizpah.
1 S.7.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- כי: CONJ
- התקבצו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצפתה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- סרני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- אל: NEG
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישמעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מפני: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- 1 Sam 4:1–2 (thematic): Philistines engage Israel in battle after news of conflict; the episode similarly emphasizes Philistine military response and Israelite defeat/fear in the face of Philistine power.
- 1 Sam 13:5–7 (structural): The Philistines gather to fight Israel and Israel's forces are dismayed/put to flight — a parallel scene of an enemy mustering and Israel responding in fear.
- 1 Sam 17:11 (verbal): Uses the same motif/language of 'hearing' followed by Israel's fear and dismay when confronted by a threatening enemy (Goliath), echoing the 'heard and were afraid' formula.
- Judg 7:3–7 (thematic): Gideon's reduction of forces because many will 'tremble' parallels the theme of Israelite fear in the face of an approaching enemy and the selective gathering of those who will stand.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
- When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
1 S.7.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תחרש: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מזעק: VERB,qal,ptcpl,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- וישענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מיד: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- 1 Sam 7:9 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Samuel offers a burnt offering and prays, and the LORD answers — direct fulfillment of the Israelites’ request that he keep crying out to God.
- 1 Sam 12:19-23 (verbal): The people again ask Samuel to pray for them, and Samuel insists he will not cease praying for Israel — closely parallels the request that Samuel continue to cry out to the LORD on their behalf.
- Judges 16:28 (thematic): Samson’s prayer asking God to remember and deliver him from the Philistines parallels the theme of pleading to God for rescue from Philistine oppression.
- Exod 14:10-14 (thematic): When Israel faces imminent attack they cry out to the LORD for salvation; Moses instructs them to trust God who will fight for them — similar communal plea for divine deliverance from enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Israelites said to Samuel, "Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines."
- They said to Samuel, "Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines."
1 S.7.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- טלה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- ויעלהו: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg+3,m
- עולה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כליל: ADV
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויזעק: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בעד: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויענהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:36-38 (structural): Elijah offers a sacrifice, prays, and God answers by sending fire from heaven—same sequence of offering/prayer and divine response as Samuel's burnt offering and petition.
- 2 Samuel 24:25 (thematic): David builds an altar, offers burnt offerings to the LORD and the plague is stayed—parallels sacrificial petitioning of God on behalf of the people and God's favorable response.
- Genesis 8:20-21 (thematic): Noah builds an altar and offers burnt offerings to the LORD, after which God responds favorably—an early model of offering a whole burnt offering followed by divine acceptance.
- 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 (structural): Solomon's sacrifices at the temple dedication are answered by fire from heaven and God's acceptance—another instance of public sacrifice accompanied by divine response.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel took a single, fat lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. Samuel cried out to the LORD on Israel's behalf, and the LORD answered him.
- Samuel took a young lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. Samuel cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him.
1 S.7.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מעלה: VERB,qal,ptcp,m,sg
- העולה: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg,def
- ופלשתים: CONJ+NOUN_PROP,m,pl,abs
- נגשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירעם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- על: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ויהמם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וינגפו: VERB,niphal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 14:15 (verbal): God throws the Philistines into a panic during Israelite attack—language of the LORD causing a rout/panic mirrors 1 Sam 7:10.
- Judg 4:14-15 (thematic): In the Deborah–Barak episode the LORD intervenes in battle and routs the enemy (Sisera), thematically parallel as divine intervention that shatters opposing forces.
- Josh 10:10-11 (thematic): God defeats Israel’s foes by sending destructive forces from heaven (hailstones) and throws the enemy into disorder—narrative motif of divine storm aiding Israelic victory.
- Ps 18:13-15 (Ps 2 2 Sam 22:8-16) (verbal): Poetic description of the LORD’s voice/thunder and heavenly assault that shatters and scatters enemies parallels the thunderous divine intervention in 1 Sam 7:10.
- Ps 29:3-9 (thematic): Psalm celebrating the voice of the LORD in thunder that shakes creation and exerts power over forces—liturgical/poetic parallel to God’s thunder causing the Philistine rout.
Alternative generated candidates
- As Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. The LORD thundered with a mighty voice that day against the Philistines; he threw them into confusion, and they were routed before Israel.
- As Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle; and the LORD thundered with a loud thunder on that day against the Philistines, and threw them into confusion so that they were struck down before Israel.
1 S.7.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- המצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וירדפו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ויכום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- מתחת: PREP
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- כר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 4:15 (thematic): After Yahweh routs the Canaanite forces, Israel pursues Sisera and his troops — mirrors the pursuit of a routed enemy following divine intervention.
- Judges 7:22 (thematic): Gideon’s victory where the LORD throws the enemy into confusion and Israel pursues them — parallels the motif of divine-enabled rout and pursuit.
- 1 Samuel 14:20 (thematic): Jonathan’s strike produces panic among the Philistines and Israel strikes them from Michmash to Aijalon — a comparable pursuit of Philistines after a sudden rout.
- 1 Samuel 7:13 (structural): Immediate literary follow-up stating the Philistines were subdued and ceased to invade Israel — provides the outcome and significance of the pursuit in 7:11.
- Exodus 14:13-14 (allusion): Moses’ declaration that the LORD will fight for Israel (followed by Israel’s safe passage and pursuit of the Egyptians) echoes the theme of God fighting for Israel, enabling their pursuit of foes.
Alternative generated candidates
- The men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as Beth‑kar.
- The men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as below Beth‑kar.
1 S.7.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בין: PREP
- המצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- השן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שמה: ADV
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- העזר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- הנה: PART
- עזרנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 4:20-24 (structural): Setting up stones as a memorial after a divine deliverance (stones taken from the Jordan to remind Israel of God's help in bringing them across).
- Genesis 28:18-19 (verbal): Jacob sets up a stone and names the place (Bethel) after an encounter with God—parallel act of erecting a stone-monument and naming the site to mark divine assistance/presence.
- Exodus 17:15 (thematic): Moses builds an altar and names it Jehovah-nissi ('The LORD is my banner') after victory over the Amalekites—comparable naming of a site in thanksgiving for God's help in battle.
- Judges 6:24 (thematic): Gideon builds an altar and names it Jehovah-shalom ('The LORD is peace') following God's reassurance—another instance of creating and naming a cultic/commemorative monument to acknowledge God's aid.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us."
- Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Eben‑ezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us."
1 S.7.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכנעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הפלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ולא: CONJ
- יספו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- בגבול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בפלשתים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- כל: DET
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 7:11 (structural): Immediate context: God intervenes in the battle (thundering against the Philistines), producing the victory that leads to the Philistines' being subdued (direct narrative continuation to v.13).
- Judges 4:23-24 (thematic): Describes Yahweh's decisive defeat of an oppressor (Jabin/Sisera) and Israel's deliverance—parallels the motif of the LORD subduing Israel's enemies and securing the land.
- 2 Samuel 5:20 (thematic): David inquires of the LORD and defeats the Philistines; like 1 Sam 7:13 it attributes victory over the Philistines to Yahweh's direct action on Israel's behalf.
- 1 Samuel 17:47 (thematic): David declares that the LORD gives victory rather than human arms—connects to the theme that Israel's success against the Philistines is the result of the LORD's hand working against them.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Philistines were subdued and did not again invade the territory of Israel. The hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
- The Philistines were subdued and came no more into the border of Israel; and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
1 S.7.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותשבנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- מאת: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעקרון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- גת: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- גבולן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- הציל: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיד: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בין: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 6:17 (verbal): Lists the principal Philistine city-centers (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron) — the same urban sphere from which cities are restored in 1 Sam 7:14, a close lexical and geographical overlap.
- Judges 1:18 (verbal): Reports Israelite (Judah’s) capture/possession of Philistine cities including Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron — parallels the motif of recovering cities taken by the Philistines.
- 1 Chronicles 14:16 (thematic): Describes the Philistines being subdued and no longer coming out against Israel after David’s victories — parallels the outcome in 1 Sam 7:14 where Israel rescues its borders and peace results.
- Joshua 11:23 (structural): Concludes a successful military campaign with the formula of the land having rest (peace) — structurally similar to 1 Sam 7:14’s concluding note that there was peace following recovery of territory.
Alternative generated candidates
- The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were returned to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered their border from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace between Israel and the Amorites.
- The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath; Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.
1 S.7.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישפט: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- חייו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 4:4 (verbal): Explicitly uses the same verb of leadership: “Deborah ... was judging Israel.” Direct verbal parallel in describing an individual who judged Israel.
- Exodus 18:13 (verbal): Describes Moses sitting to judge the people (“Moses judged them”), paralleling the office and function of judging Israel exercised by Samuel.
- Judges 2:16 (thematic): Summarizes the pattern that the LORD raised up judges to deliver Israel. The verse places Samuel’s judgeship within the broader cycle of divinely-appointed judges.
- 1 Samuel 8:1 (structural): Reports that when Samuel was old he appointed his sons as judges—provides narrative continuation/contrast to 7:15’s statement that Samuel judged Israel all his life and sets up the crises that follow (demand for a king).
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
- Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
1 S.7.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והלך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מדי: PREP
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וסבב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- והגלגל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והמצפה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושפט: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- המקומות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
Parallels
- 1 Sam.7.15 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the narrative: declares that Samuel “judged Israel all the days of his life,” which 7:16 specifies by describing his annual circuits to Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah.
- 1 Sam.12:2 (thematic): Samuel’s later defense of his integrity and service to Israel echoes the claim in 7:16 about his ongoing role as judge and leader throughout the nation.
- Judges 2:16-19 (thematic): Places Samuel in the larger Judges tradition: God raises judges who deliver and govern Israel; Samuel functions as the final judge in that cyclical pattern.
- Exod.18:13-26 (structural): Jethro’s instructions to Moses to appoint judges and distribute legal cases supplies a structural precedent for itinerant or delegated adjudication, comparable to Samuel’s circuiting to administer justice.
- Deut.17:8-13 (structural): Law for bringing difficult cases to the appointed central authority ties judicial practice to cultic/legal centers; relevant to Samuel judging at key sites (Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah).
Alternative generated candidates
- He went on circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, judging Israel in all those places.
- Year by year he went on circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and he judged Israel in all those places.
1 S.7.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותשבתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הרמתה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs+3,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפט: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.7.12 (verbal): Same chapter: Samuel sets up a stone (Eben-ezer) and commemorates the Lord’s help; both verses report cultic/monumental acts tied to Samuel’s leadership after deliverance.
- 1 Sam.8:1-5 (thematic): Contrasts Samuel’s faithful rule at Ramah with the later failure of his sons, who ‘did not walk in his ways’ and thus precipitated Israel’s demand for a king — highlights Samuel’s household as a legitimate seat of judgment.
- 1 Sam.12:2-5 (thematic): Samuel’s summary of his service and integrity as Israel’s judge and leader echoes the claim in 7:17 that he judged Israel from his home and served as God’s representative.
- Judg.18:30-31 (thematic): Report of a private household shrine/priesthood established in Dan (household gods, ephod) offers a thematic contrast with Samuel’s house/altar at Ramah as a legitimate center for Yahwistic cult and judgment.
- Exod.17:15 (verbal): After victory Moses builds an altar and gives it a name (‘The LORD is my Banner’); parallels the pattern of building an altar to commemorate divine help and to mark leadership authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he returned to his house at Ramah, for there was his home; and there he judged Israel. He built an altar to the LORD there.
- Then he returned to Ramah, for his house was there; and he judged Israel there. He built an altar there to the LORD.
From the day the ark rested at Kiriath‑jearim the days multiplied — twenty years — and all the house of Israel longed for the LORD.
Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, put away the foreign gods from among you and the Ashtaroth, and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve him alone; and he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” So the Israelites put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the LORD only.
Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray for you to the LORD.”
They gathered at Mizpah; they drew water and poured it out before the LORD; they fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the LORD.” Samuel judged the house of Israel at Mizpah.
When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had assembled at Mizpah, the chiefs of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the Israelites heard of it, they feared the Philistines.
The Israelites said to Samuel, “Do not be silent; cry to the LORD our God on our behalf, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”
Samuel took a single suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. Samuel cried to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him.
As Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to fight Israel; the LORD thundered with a mighty sound against the Philistines that day; he threw them into confusion, and they were struck down before Israel.
The men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, striking them down as far as below Beth‑car.
Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen; and he called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
The Philistines were subdued and no longer invaded the border of Israel. The hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel — from Ekron to Gath — and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace between Israel and the Amorites.
Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
Year by year he went on circuit; he traveled to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places.
Then he returned to Ramah, for there was his house; there he judged Israel, and he built an altar to the LORD.