King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 7:5 Mean?

1 Samuel 7:5 in the King James Version says “And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.”

1 Samuel 7:5 · KJV

Prayer

Context

3

And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

4

Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

5

And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.

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.

7

And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

Read 1 Samuel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between corporate gathering and spiritual renewal?
  2. How does intercessory prayer function in preparing God's people for deliverance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 11

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל2 of 11

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

קִבְצ֥וּ3 of 11

“Gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶת4 of 11
H853

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

כָּל5 of 11
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 11

“all Israel”

H3478

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

הַמִּצְפָּ֑תָה7 of 11
H4709

mitspah, the name of two places in palestine

וְאֶתְפַּלֵּ֥ל8 of 11

“and I will pray”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

בַּֽעַדְכֶ֖ם9 of 11
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

אֶל10 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָֽה׃11 of 11

“for you unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 20:11 Samuel 12:232 Kings 25:23Nehemiah 9:1Joshua 15:381 Samuel 7:12

Places in This Verse

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

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