1 Samuel 7:16

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

And he went {H1980} from {H1767} year {H8141} to year {H8141} in circuit {H5437} to Bethel {H1008}, and Gilgal {H1537}, and Mizpeh {H4709}, and judged {H8199} Israel {H3478} in all those places {H4725}.

Year by year he would travel in a circuit that included Beit-El, Gilgal and Mitzpah; and in all these places he served as judge over Isra'el.

Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places.

And he went from year to year in circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpah; and he judged Israel in all those places.

Commentary

1 Samuel 7:16 describes the diligent and consistent ministry of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest judges and prophets. Following a period of national repentance and a decisive victory over the Philistines at Mizpeh (as recounted in 1 Samuel 7:10-11), Samuel established a regular circuit to administer justice and provide spiritual guidance throughout Israel.

Context

After the disastrous loss of the Ark of the Covenant and the subsequent defeat by the Philistines, Israel was in a state of spiritual and national decline. Chapter 7 marks a turning point where Samuel calls the people to repentance, leading to a renewal of their covenant with God. With divine intervention, the Philistine threat was subdued, bringing peace to the land (1 Samuel 7:13-14). In this verse, we see Samuel consolidating and maintaining that renewed order by establishing a systematic approach to his leadership responsibilities, demonstrating his commitment to the nation's well-being and spiritual health.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Dedicated Leadership: Samuel's annual circuit highlights his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Israel. He didn't wait for people to come to him but actively traveled to ensure justice was accessible. This reflects the ideal of a shepherd going to his flock.
  • Geographic Significance: The specific locations—Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpeh—were not chosen arbitrarily.
    • Mizpeh was a significant assembly point where Israel gathered for repentance and prayer before the Philistine battle (1 Samuel 7:5-6).
    • Bethel ("House of God") was a sacred site from the time of Jacob (Genesis 28:19), symbolizing God's presence.
    • Gilgal was historically important as the first encampment of Israel after crossing the Jordan (Joshua 4:19) and later a place where kings were proclaimed (1 Samuel 11:15). These sites served as central hubs for his judicial and spiritual ministry.
  • Order and Stability: Samuel's consistent circuit brought much-needed order and stability to Israel after a period of chaos under the previous judges (Judges 21:25). His consistent presence ensured that legal and spiritual matters were regularly addressed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "from year to year in circuit" (Hebrew: mi-shanah b'shanah) emphasizes the regularity and systematic nature of Samuel's judicial visits. It suggests a sustained, annual commitment rather than sporadic or ad hoc appearances. His role as "judge" (Hebrew: shofet) encompassed more than just legal arbitration; it also involved military leadership, spiritual guidance, and upholding God's covenant, similar to earlier judges in Israel's history.

Practical Application

Samuel's example in 1 Samuel 7:16 offers valuable lessons for leadership and service today. It underscores the importance of:

  • Consistency and Diligence: Effective leadership often requires persistent, year-round effort, not just grand pronouncements.
  • Accessibility: Good leaders make themselves available to those they serve, actively reaching out rather than expecting everyone to come to them.
  • Holistic Care: Samuel cared for both the spiritual and civil well-being of the people, reflecting a holistic approach to leadership that addresses various needs.
  • Leveraging Strategic Locations: Just as Samuel used significant sites, modern leaders can identify and utilize key locations or platforms to maximize their impact and reach.
This verse paints a picture of a faithful servant of God who brought stability and righteousness to his nation through tireless dedication.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 75:2

    When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.

  • Judges 5:10

    Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.

  • Judges 10:4

    And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havothjair unto this day, which [are] in the land of Gilead.

  • Psalms 82:3

    Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

  • Psalms 82:4

    Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.

  • Judges 12:14

    And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years.
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