1 Samuel 7:6
And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
Original Language Analysis
בַּמִּצְפָּֽה׃
to Mizpeh
H4709
בַּמִּצְפָּֽה׃
to Mizpeh
Strong's:
H4709
Word #:
2 of 20
mitspah, the name of two places in palestine
וַֽיִּשְׁפְּכ֣וּ׀
and poured it out
H8210
וַֽיִּשְׁפְּכ֣וּ׀
and poured it out
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
5 of 20
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
against the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בַּיּ֣וֹם
on that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
on that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
שָׁ֔ם
H8033
חָטָ֖אנוּ
there We have sinned
H2398
חָטָ֖אנוּ
there We have sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
against the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֧ט
judged
H8199
וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֧ט
judged
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
15 of 20
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 #:
17 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
18 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
1 Samuel 1:15And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.2 Samuel 14:14For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.Judges 10:10And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.Psalms 62:8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.Psalms 106:6We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.Jeremiah 9:1Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!Joel 2:12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:Psalms 119:136Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.Luke 15:18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,1 Kings 8:47Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;
Historical Context
Water-pouring rituals appear in later Jewish tradition during Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). Some scholars connect this practice to rain prayers or covenant renewal ceremonies. Fasting as corporate repentance appears throughout Scripture (Judges 20:26; Joel 2:12). Samuel's judging likely involved both civil administration and spiritual leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- What rituals or practices help you express genuine repentance before God?
- How does public confession of sin contribute to corporate spiritual renewal?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
The assembly at Mizpeh featured three acts of penitence. First, water-pouring ('sha'av mayim') - a ritual otherwise unattested in Scripture, perhaps symbolizing the pouring out of their hearts (compare Lamentations 2:19) or tears of repentance. Second, fasting - abstaining from food to focus wholly on spiritual matters and demonstrate the seriousness of their contrition. Third, public confession - 'We have sinned against the LORD' - corporate acknowledgment of covenant violation. These combined acts expressed Israel's genuine brokenness. The final note that 'Samuel judged the children of Israel' indicates he assumed formal leadership, settling disputes and establishing righteous governance. The transition from chaotic judges to prophetic leadership begins here. Mizpeh becomes the birthplace of Israel's renewal under Samuel's guidance.