King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 7:16 Mean?

1 Samuel 7:16 in the King James Version says “And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. in ci...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. in circuit: Heb. and he circuited”

1 Samuel 7:16 · KJV

Context

14

And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

15

And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

16

And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. in circuit: Heb. and he circuited

17

And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.

Read 1 Samuel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does divine judgment in this passage reveal about God's holiness, justice, and intolerance of persistent rebellion?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does divine judgment in this passage drive us to appreciate Christ's substitutionary atonement on our behalf?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָלַ֗ךְ1 of 16

“And he went”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מִדֵּ֤י2 of 16

“from”

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

בְּשָׁנָ֔ה3 of 16

“to year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְּשָׁנָ֔ה4 of 16

“to year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְסָבַב֙5 of 16

“in circuit”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

בֵּֽית6 of 16
H0
אֵ֔ל7 of 16

“to Bethel”

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

וְהַגִּלְגָּ֖ל8 of 16

“and Gilgal”

H1537

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

וְהַמִּצְפָּ֑ה9 of 16

“and Mizpeh”

H4709

mitspah, the name of two places in palestine

וְשָׁפַט֙10 of 16

“and judged”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אֶת11 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל12 of 16

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֵ֥ת13 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל14 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמְּקוֹמ֖וֹת15 of 16

“in all those places”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃16 of 16
H428

these or those

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 7:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 10:4Psalms 82:3-4Judges 12:14Psalms 75:2Judges 5:10

Places in This Verse

Bethel 1Settlement · Modern: Beitin · 31.92°N, 35.24°E69 verses across 12 books
Gilgal 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet el Mefjir · 31.88°N, 35.46°E33 verses across 7 books
Mizpah 3Settlement · Modern: Tell en Nasbeh · 31.89°N, 35.22°E32 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 7 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 7 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes