2 - 17 Samuel Subdues the Philistines at Mizpah The ark stayed in Kiriath Jearim 20 years, and all Israel sought after the Lord. Samuel told them if they are returning to God, they must get rid of their foreign god. So the Israelites repented and put away their Baals and Ashtoreths.
Israel were afraid they would be defeated by the Philistines, so Samuel took a lamb and offered it up to the Lord. The Lord answered him. The Philistines arived and the Israelites were victorious. Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, naming it Ebenezer ("Thus far has the Lord helped us"). Throughout Samuel's life, the Israelites were victorious against the Philistines.
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Samuel assembled the entire nation at Mizpah where they "drew water nd poured it out" (notes indicate that this might have been symbolic of pouring out their hearts in repentance to God), fasted, and confessed their sins before God.
The Philistines heard that the entire nation was gathered and sought to attack. Israel heard about it and was afraid but Samuel told them not to stop "crying out to the Lord".
When the Philistines arrived the Lord "thundered with loud thunder" which made them panic and retreat. Israel pursued and defeated them.
Samuel honored God by building an altar.
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