1 Samuel 7:3

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} spake {H559} unto all the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, If ye do return {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068} with all your hearts {H3824}, then put away {H5493} the strange {H5236} gods {H430} and Ashtaroth {H6252} from among {H8432} you, and prepare {H3559} your hearts {H3824} unto the LORD {H3068}, and serve {H5647} him only: and he will deliver {H5337} you out of the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el addressed all the people of Isra'el; he said: "If you are returning to ADONAI with all your heart, then be done with the foreign gods and 'ashtarot that you have with you, and direct your hearts to ADONAI. If you will serve only him, he will rescue you from the power of the P'lishtim."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 7:3 records the prophet Samuel's urgent call to the nation of Israel, urging them to abandon their idolatrous practices and return to the Lord with sincere devotion. This pivotal verse outlines the conditions for divine deliverance: a wholehearted turning away from foreign gods, particularly Ashtaroth, and an exclusive commitment to serving Yahweh alone. Samuel's message establishes a clear link between Israel's spiritual fidelity and God's promised intervention, setting the stage for their liberation from Philistine oppression and a renewed covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a critical juncture in Israel's history, following a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual decline. Chapters 4-6 detail the catastrophic loss of the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines, the death of Eli's sons, and Eli himself, signifying the end of an era of corrupt priesthood. The Ark's return in chapter 6, though miraculous, does not immediately resolve Israel's spiritual malaise. Instead, it highlights their continued unfaithfulness. Chapter 7 opens with the Ark residing in Kiriath-Jearim for twenty years, during which time the people "lamented after the LORD" (1 Samuel 7:2). Samuel, now established as a prophet and judge, seizes this moment of national introspection to call for a genuine spiritual reformation, making 1 Samuel 7:3 the programmatic statement for the revival that follows. It sets the conditions for the subsequent victory at Mizpah in 1 Samuel 7:7-11.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel in this period was a loosely confederated tribal society, often struggling with internal disunity and external threats. The Philistines, a powerful seafaring people who had settled on the coastal plain, posed a significant military and cultural challenge. Their advanced iron technology gave them a distinct advantage over Israel, who were still largely in the Bronze Age. Culturally, Israel was constantly tempted by the polytheistic and fertility-oriented religions of their Canaanite neighbors, particularly the worship of Baal and Ashtaroth. These deities were associated with agricultural prosperity and military success, appealing to a people dependent on rain and vulnerable to invasion. The presence of "strange gods and Ashtaroth" (1 Samuel 7:3) among them indicates a pervasive syncretism, where Israel attempted to blend Yahweh worship with pagan practices, a recurring problem throughout their history, as seen in [Judges 2:13](/judges/2-13 "Judges 2:13 - Israel forsakes the Lord for Baal and Ashtaroth"). Samuel's call is a direct confrontation with this spiritual compromise, demanding a return to the exclusive covenant relationship established at Sinai.
* **Key Themes:** First Samuel 7:3 powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **repentance and return (שׁוּב)**, emphasizing that true spiritual renewal requires a wholehearted turning back to God, not merely outward ritual. This echoes the covenant stipulations found in [Deuteronomy 30:2](/deuteronomy/30-2 "Deuteronomy 30:2 - Return to the Lord with all your heart") and [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord with all your heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights **exclusive worship and monotheism**, demanding the complete abandonment of idolatry. The specific mention of "strange gods and Ashtaroth" directly addresses the pervasive syncretism that violated the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - You shall have no other gods before me"). God's covenant with Israel permitted no rivals, a principle reinforced throughout the prophetic literature. Finally, the verse establishes the theme of **divine deliverance contingent on obedience**. Samuel's promise, "he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines," demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises when His people demonstrate genuine repentance and devotion. This pattern of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance is a recurring motif in the book of Judges and continues into Samuel, reinforcing God's sovereignty over history and His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strange gods (Hebrew, _ʾĕlōhê hannēkār_):** This phrase literally means "gods of the foreigner" or "foreign gods." The term _nēkār_ (foreigner/stranger) implies something alien or illegitimate in the context of Israel's covenant with Yahweh. It refers to any deity other than the one true God of Israel, emphasizing that these gods are not only from other nations but are fundamentally "strange" or "alien" to the very identity and purpose of God's chosen people. Their presence among Israel represented a spiritual defilement and a breach of the covenant, as seen in [Genesis 35:2](/genesis/35-2 "Genesis 35:2 - Jacob tells his household to put away foreign gods").
* **Ashtaroth (Hebrew, _ʿašttārôt_):** This is the plural form of Ashtoreth (Astarte), a prominent Canaanite goddess of fertility, war, and sexuality, often depicted as the consort of Baal. Her worship involved sacred prostitution and other immoral rites, and she was a major spiritual snare for Israel, frequently mentioned alongside Baal as a primary idolatrous temptation (e.g., [Judges 2:13](/judges/2-13 "Judges 2:13 - Israel forsakes the Lord for Baal and Ashtaroth")). Samuel's explicit mention of Ashtaroth highlights the pervasive and seductive nature of this specific form of idolatry that Israel needed to decisively abandon.
* **Prepare your hearts (Hebrew, _hākînû ləḇaḇkem_):** The verb _kûn_ means "to establish, prepare, make firm, direct." When applied to the heart (_lēḇ_, the seat of intellect, will, and emotion), it signifies a deliberate, intentional act of setting one's inner being—thoughts, affections, and intentions—firmly and steadfastly toward the Lord. It implies a conscious decision to align one's entire inner life with God's will, making the heart ready and steadfast for His service. This is not a passive waiting but an active, internal reorientation, a spiritual readiness that precedes outward action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes Samuel's authoritative role as God's prophet and judge, addressing the entire nation. It underscores the public and communal nature of this call to repentance, indicating that the spiritual state of the nation as a whole is at stake. Samuel acts as God's mouthpiece, delivering a divine imperative.
* **"If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts,"**: This is the crucial conditional clause, setting the prerequisite for divine intervention. The phrase "return unto the LORD" (שׁוּב אֶל־יְהוָה) is a common biblical idiom for repentance, a turning away from sin and back to God. The intensifying phrase "with all your hearts" emphasizes that this return must be genuine, complete, and internal, involving every aspect of one's being—intellect, emotion, and will—rather than a superficial or ritualistic gesture. It demands undivided devotion.
* **"[then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you,"**: This is the first specific command stemming from the condition of wholehearted return. It demands the active removal and renunciation of all foreign deities and, specifically, the prominent Canaanite fertility goddess Ashtaroth. This command highlights the practical, tangible outworking of true repentance: the eradication of idolatry from their midst, both physically (destroying idols) and spiritually (renouncing their worship). It is a call to purify the nation from spiritual defilement.
* **"and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only:"**: This clause presents a two-fold command that further defines the nature of true repentance and devotion. "Prepare your hearts unto the LORD" reiterates the internal commitment, an active readiness and dedication of one's inner life to God. "And serve him only" emphasizes the exclusivity of Yahweh worship, a direct affirmation of the First Commandment. It demands singular allegiance, rejecting any form of syncretism or divided loyalty, and dedicating all service and worship to God alone.
* **"and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."**: This final clause is the divine promise, the consequence of Israel's obedience to the preceding conditions. It assures them that God Himself will act on their behalf, providing military and national liberation from their oppressive Philistine enemies. This demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness: when His people genuinely turn to Him and obey His commands, He will respond with powerful deliverance, proving His sovereignty and care.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Primarily, it is structured as a **Conditional Covenant** or **Conditional Promise**, using an "if...then" construct ("If ye do return... then... he will deliver"). This highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where divine blessing is contingent upon human obedience and faithfulness. The verse also utilizes **Exhortation**, as Samuel's words are a forceful and direct appeal to the people, urging them to action and spiritual transformation. The repetition of "hearts" ("with all your hearts" and "prepare your hearts") serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the internal, volitional nature of the required repentance and devotion. Furthermore, the specific naming of "strange gods and Ashtaroth" is a form of **Synecdoche** or **Merism**, where specific examples (Ashtaroth) are used to represent the broader category of all idolatry, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the problem. Finally, the verse demonstrates **Parallelism** in its commands ("put away... and prepare... and serve"), creating a rhythmic and memorable structure that reinforces the multi-faceted demands of true repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Samuel 7:3 stands as a foundational text for understanding the Old Testament's emphasis on genuine repentance and exclusive worship. It articulates the core covenant principle that God's deliverance and blessing are directly tied to His people's wholehearted devotion and obedience. This verse underscores that spiritual renewal is not merely about outward actions but a profound internal transformation, a turning of the entire being towards God and away from anything that rivals His rightful place. This principle resonates throughout biblical theology, affirming God's demand for singular allegiance and His faithfulness to deliver those who truly seek Him. The Philistine oppression serves as a tangible consequence of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, illustrating the divine discipline that precedes the call to repentance and subsequent restoration.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart")
* [Joshua 24:23](/joshua/24-23 "Joshua 24:23 - Joshua's call to put away foreign gods")
* [Psalm 50:14-15](/psalm/50-14 "Psalm 50:14-15 - Call upon me in the day of trouble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Samuel 7:3 offers a timeless blueprint for spiritual revival, both personally and corporately. It challenges us to examine our own "hearts" and honestly assess what "strange gods" or "Ashtaroths" might subtly occupy the throne that rightfully belongs to God alone. These modern idols may not be carved images but can manifest as materialism, career ambition, self-reliance, comfort, entertainment, or even relationships that subtly displace God as our ultimate priority. The call to "return unto the LORD with all your hearts" means a complete reorientation of our affections, desires, and allegiances. It demands a deliberate "putting away" of anything that competes for our ultimate devotion, actively preparing our inner lives to serve God exclusively. When we genuinely turn from these competing loyalties and commit ourselves fully to Him, we can trust in His promise of deliverance from spiritual bondage, anxiety, and the challenges of life, just as He delivered Israel from the Philistines. This verse reminds us that true freedom and peace are found in undivided devotion to the One True God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange gods" or "Ashtaroths" (modern idols) might be subtly competing for my heart's ultimate devotion today?**
* **In what practical ways can I "prepare my heart unto the LORD" and ensure I am serving Him "only"?**
* **How does the promise of God's deliverance motivate me to pursue deeper repentance and exclusive devotion?**
* **What does "returning to the LORD with all your heart" look like in my daily life, beyond mere religious observance?**

### FAQ
**What were "strange gods and Ashtaroth," and why were they so problematic for Israel?**

Answer: "Strange gods" (Hebrew: _ʾĕlōhê hannēkār_) refers to any foreign deities or idols worshipped by the surrounding nations, which were fundamentally alien to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. "Ashtaroth" (Hebrew: _ʿašttārôt_) specifically refers to the plural form of Ashtoreth (Astarte), a prominent Canaanite goddess of fertility, war, and sexuality. These deities were problematic for Israel because their worship directly violated the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - You shall have no other gods before me"), which demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh. Engaging in polytheistic practices, often involving immoral rites, corrupted Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people and broke their covenant with Him, leading to spiritual decline and divine judgment, as seen repeatedly in the book of [Judges](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - Israel's Disobedience and Oppression"). Samuel's command was a call to purify the nation from this spiritual defilement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Samuel 7:3, with its call for wholehearted repentance and exclusive devotion, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Samuel's message offered deliverance from physical oppression, Christ offers deliverance from the far greater oppression of sin and death. The command to "return unto the LORD with all your hearts" is perfectly embodied in the New Covenant, where the law is written on the heart, and true worship is in "spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth")). Jesus is the ultimate "deliverer" who frees us from the tyranny of sin and false gods, not through military might, but through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the domain of darkness")). He calls for an even deeper, more profound "putting away" of idols—not just physical ones, but anything that competes for our supreme allegiance, including self-righteousness, materialism, or worldly ambition ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You cannot serve God and money")). In Christ, our hearts are truly "prepared unto the LORD" through regeneration by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to "serve him only" with undivided loyalty, not out of obligation but out of love and gratitude for the salvation He provides ([Romans 6:17-18](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17-18 - Servants of Righteousness")). He is the true and living God, and in Him, we find complete and eternal deliverance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 4:8

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Deuteronomy 13:4

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Deuteronomy 6:13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Joshua 24:14

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

John 4:24

God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.