1Sa 7:3 | MHM | STEP | Samuel Calls Israel to Repentance This section marks the return of Samuel as a leader in Israel. Although Samuel has not been mentioned since the battles with the Philistines, he has been working quietly among the people. When the Israelites began to feel their need for God and started to mourn for Him, Samuel saw this as the right time to help them turn back to the Lord . He encouraged them to give up their idols and fully commit themselves to God. This led to a powerful time of repentance and renewal for Israel. v. 3 : Samuel spoke to all of Israel, traveling from place to place as a preacher . He told them that if they truly wanted to return to the Lord , they must get rid of their idols, especially Baalim and Ashtaroth. He said, Prepare your hearts unto the Lord , and serve him only . Samuel reminded them that God would not accept divided loyalty. If they did this, God would deliver them from the Philistines. The people listened and destroyed their idols, saying, What have we to do any more with idols? (Hosea 14:8; Isaiah 30:22 ).

‏ 1 Samuel 7:3

Samuel Calls Israel to Repentance

This section marks the return of Samuel as a leader in Israel. Although Samuel has not been mentioned since the battles with the Philistines, he has been working quietly among the people. When the Israelites began to feel their need for God and started to mourn for Him, Samuel saw this as the right time to help them turn back to the Lord. He encouraged them to give up their idols and fully commit themselves to God. This led to a powerful time of repentance and renewal for Israel.

v. 3: Samuel spoke to all of Israel, traveling from place to place as a preacher . He told them that if they truly wanted to return to the Lord, they must get rid of their idols, especially Baalim and Ashtaroth. He said, Prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only. Samuel reminded them that God would not accept divided loyalty. If they did this, God would deliver them from the Philistines. The people listened and destroyed their idols, saying, What have we to do any more with idols? (Hosea 14:8; Isaiah 30:22 ^a).