1 Samuel 7:16
And he went from year to year in circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָלַ֗ךְ
And he went
H1980
וְהָלַ֗ךְ
And he went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מִדֵּ֤י
from
H1767
מִדֵּ֤י
from
Strong's:
H1767
Word #:
2 of 16
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
וְסָבַב֙
in circuit
H5437
וְסָבַב֙
in circuit
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
5 of 16
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
וְהַגִּלְגָּ֖ל
and Gilgal
H1537
וְהַגִּלְגָּ֖ל
and Gilgal
Strong's:
H1537
Word #:
8 of 16
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
וְהַמִּצְפָּ֑ה
and Mizpeh
H4709
וְהַמִּצְפָּ֑ה
and Mizpeh
Strong's:
H4709
Word #:
9 of 16
mitspah, the name of two places in palestine
וְשָׁפַט֙
and judged
H8199
וְשָׁפַט֙
and judged
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
10 of 16
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
The Philistines, part of the 'Sea Peoples' who settled the coastal plain around 1200 BCE, possessed superior iron technology and organized military forces. Their pentapolis (five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath) controlled coastal trade routes and threatened Israelite settlements in the hill country. The Philistine threat created the political pressure that would eventually lead to Israel's demand for centralized monarchy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does divine judgment in this passage reveal about God's holiness, justice, and intolerance of persistent rebellion?
- What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
- How does divine judgment in this passage drive us to appreciate Christ's substitutionary atonement on our behalf?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he went from year to year in circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.
This narrative marks the transition from priestly to prophetic leadership in Israel. Samuel's calling demonstrates that God raises up servants according to His sovereign purposes, often choosing unexpected persons during dark spiritual times. The rarity of prophetic revelation ('the word of the LORD was precious in those days') underscores the spiritual bankruptcy of the era. God's threefold call emphasizes both divine initiative and human response—Samuel must learn to recognize God's voice and respond in faithful obedience.