1 Samuel 7:5
And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
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)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַמִּצְפָּ֑תָה
H4709
וְאֶתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
and I will pray
H6419
וְאֶתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
and I will pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
8 of 11
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
Historical Context
Mizpeh (Tell en-Nasbeh, about eight miles north of Jerusalem) served as an assembly point during the judges period (Judges 20:1, 3; 21:1, 5, 8). Its central location in Benjamin's territory made it accessible to northern and southern tribes alike. Samuel's leadership at Mizpeh establishes a pattern continued throughout his ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between corporate gathering and spiritual renewal?
- How does intercessory prayer function in preparing God's people for deliverance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.
Samuel calls a national assembly at Mizpeh ('watchtower'), a significant gathering point in Benjamin's territory. His promise 'I will pray for you' establishes his intercessory role - standing between God and people as Moses had done. The Hebrew 'palal' (pray, intercede) carries the sense of judging or intervening on behalf of another. Samuel does not merely teach about prayer; he commits to pray. This prophetic intercession would prove decisive in the coming confrontation. Mizpeh's elevation made it visible from surrounding territory, explaining both its name and its suitability for national gatherings. The call to 'all Israel' emphasized unity - the scattered tribes would assemble as one people before their God. Corporate gathering for repentance and intercession precedes national deliverance.