1 Samuel 7:8
And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
Original Language Analysis
בְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 15
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּֽחֲרֵ֣שׁ
Cease
H2790
תַּֽחֲרֵ֣שׁ
Cease
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
7 of 15
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
מִזְּעֹ֖ק
not to cry
H2199
מִזְּעֹ֖ק
not to cry
Strong's:
H2199
Word #:
9 of 15
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
יְהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְיֹֽשִׁעֵ֖נוּ
for us that he will save
H3467
וְיֹֽשִׁעֵ֖נוּ
for us that he will save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
Cross References
Isaiah 37:4It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Historical Context
Intercessory prayer by prophets becomes a prominent Old Testament theme (Exodus 32:11-14; Numbers 14:13-19; Amos 7:1-6; Jeremiah 15:1). Samuel stands in the tradition of Moses as mediator between God and people. The people's request shows they recognized Samuel's unique spiritual authority.
Questions for Reflection
- When facing threats, is your first response to take action or to request intercession?
- How does dependence on human intercessors point toward our ultimate Intercessor, Jesus Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
Israel's request reveals transformed hearts. Rather than taking up arms or fleeing in panic, they plead for continued intercession. The Hebrew 'al-tachresh' (cease not, do not be silent) expresses urgent dependence - they want Samuel's prayers to continue without interruption. Their faith has shifted from military might to divine intervention accessed through prophetic intercession. The phrase 'the LORD our God' claims covenant relationship - He is not merely 'the LORD' abstractly but specifically 'our God.' Their expectation 'that he will save us' demonstrates faith despite fear. This represents mature spirituality: feeling afraid yet trusting God's deliverance through appointed means. Israel has learned from the Ark's capture that religious symbols without covenant faithfulness avail nothing. Now they seek the living God through His prophet's prayers.