1 Samuel 7:4
Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
Then the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
Then the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעַשְׁתָּרֹ֑ת
and Ashtaroth
H6252
הָֽעַשְׁתָּרֹ֑ת
and Ashtaroth
Strong's:
H6252
Word #:
7 of 11
ashtaroth, the name of a sidonian deity, and of a place east of the jordan
וַיַּֽעַבְד֥וּ
and served
H5647
וַיַּֽעַבְד֥וּ
and served
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
8 of 11
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Baal worship involved agricultural fertility rituals, sacred prostitution, and sometimes child sacrifice. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous Baal and Asherah figurines in Israelite settlements, confirming widespread syncretism. The removal of these idols likely involved both private household purging and destruction of local high places.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to serve the LORD 'only' in a culture offering many competing allegiances?
- How does decisive action demonstrate the genuineness of repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
Israel's response demonstrates genuine repentance through concrete action. The plural 'Baalim' (the Baals) and 'Ashtaroth' (the Ashtoreths) suggest multiple local manifestations of these deities had infiltrated Israelite worship. Their removal represented decisive rejection of syncretism - no more hedging bets between Yahweh and Canaanite gods. The phrase 'served the LORD only' ('levaddo', exclusively, alone) fulfills Samuel's demand for undivided allegiance. This wholehearted response contrasts sharply with the half-hearted reforms that characterized much of Israel's history. The brevity of the verse belies its significance - after twenty years of lamentation, Israel finally acted. True repentance moves beyond emotional sorrow to practical obedience. The stage was now set for divine deliverance, but not before a final test of faith.