1 Samuel 7:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did put away {H5493} Baalim {H1168} and Ashtaroth {H6252}, and served {H5647} the LORD {H3068} only.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the people of Isra'el banished the ba'alim and the 'ashtarot and served only ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So the Israelites put away the Baals and Ashtoreths and served only the LORD.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 7:4 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, detailing the nation's tangible and collective response to the prophet Samuel's call for repentance. After generations of spiritual compromise and oppression, the people decisively abandoned their syncretistic worship of foreign deities, specifically Baalim and Ashtaroth, and committed themselves to serving the LORD God of Israel exclusively. This act of national purification and renewed covenant faithfulness set the stage for divine intervention and deliverance from their adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate and direct response to Samuel's urgent admonition in [1 Samuel 7:3](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3 - Samuel's Call to Repentance"), where he challenged Israel to put away their foreign gods and prepare their hearts to serve the LORD alone. It signifies a crucial turning point in the narrative, following a period of profound spiritual decline and national humiliation, exemplified by the Philistine oppression and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant detailed in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Ark Captured"). The verse serves as the necessary prerequisite for the subsequent divine deliverance and victory over the Philistines at Mizpah, recounted in [1 Samuel 7:5-12](/1_samuel/7-5 "1 Samuel 7:5-12 - Victory at Mizpah"), highlighting the direct correlation between national repentance and God's intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 1 Samuel falls within the transition from the era of the Judges to the monarchy, a time characterized by spiritual apostasy and foreign domination. For centuries, the Israelites had struggled with the pervasive influence of Canaanite polytheism, often blending their worship of Yahweh with the cults of local deities. "Baalim" refers to various local manifestations of Baal, the Canaanite storm and fertility god, worshipped for agricultural prosperity. "Ashtaroth" (plural of Ashtoreth or Astarte) represented the chief Canaanite goddess of fertility, war, and love, often considered Baal's consort. The worship of these deities involved rituals often antithetical to Mosaic law, including sacred prostitution and child sacrifice. The Philistines, a powerful maritime people, had also established significant control over Israelite territory, further pressuring the Israelites to adopt their gods or face subjugation, as seen in the events leading up to this chapter.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 7:4 powerfully encapsulates several core biblical themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Decisive Repentance**, demonstrating a tangible and collective turning away from sin, not merely a verbal confession. The physical removal of idols symbolizes a genuine change of heart and commitment, echoing the call to "rend your heart, and not your garments" in [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Rend Your Heart"). Secondly, the phrase "served the LORD only" highlights the theme of **Exclusive Worship**, which is foundational to Israel's covenant with God. This directly reflects the first commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")), and the core declaration of the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema"), emphasizing singularity of devotion to Yahweh. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Prerequisite for Divine Blessing**, illustrating that national repentance and exclusive worship are often conditions for God's intervention and deliverance, setting the stage for the miraculous victory that immediately follows.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalim (Hebrew, _bə‘ālîm_):** This is the plural form of "Baal," a Semitic word meaning "lord" or "master." In the Canaanite pantheon, Baal was the chief storm god, associated with rain, thunder, and agricultural fertility. The use of the plural indicates the widespread worship of various local Baals throughout the land, each associated with a specific locality or natural feature, reflecting a fragmented yet pervasive idolatrous system that competed with the singular worship of Yahweh.
* **Ashtaroth (Hebrew, _‘aštārôt_):** This is the plural form of Ashtoreth (or Astarte), a prominent Canaanite goddess. She was typically associated with fertility, sexuality, war, and hunting, often depicted as the consort of Baal. Her worship often involved cultic prostitution and other practices anathema to Israelite law. The inclusion of Ashtaroth alongside Baalim signifies the comprehensive nature of the idolatry Israel had embraced, encompassing both male and female deities of the Canaanite pantheon.
* **served (Hebrew, _‘āḇəḏû_):** The Hebrew verb here implies active, devoted service, not merely passive acknowledgment or occasional ritual. It denotes a relationship of master and servant, where the servant's life is dedicated to the master's will. When applied to "the LORD only," it emphasizes a complete and exclusive commitment of life, resources, and loyalty, contrasting sharply with the divided allegiance previously shown to the false gods.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth":** This clause describes the decisive, tangible act of repentance. "Putting away" (וַיָּסִרוּ, _wayyāsiru_) signifies a physical removal and rejection of the idols. This was not merely an internal change of heart but an external, visible demonstration of their renunciation of syncretism. It represents a national cleansing, a breaking of ties with the spiritual influences that had led them astray and subjected them to foreign oppression. The plural forms of the deities underscore the pervasive nature of the idolatry they were abandoning.
* **"and served the LORD only":** This second clause describes the positive, affirmative action that accompanies the renunciation of idolatry. Having "put away" the false gods, Israel actively committed to "serving" Yahweh. The addition of "only" (לְבַדּוֹ, _ləḇaḏdô_) is crucial, emphasizing exclusivity and singularity of devotion. It signifies a return to the foundational covenant principle that Israel was to have no other gods before the LORD, acknowledging Him as their sole sovereign and object of worship. This declaration of exclusive service is the spiritual fruit of their repentance, demonstrating a renewed covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The mention of **Merism** is evident in the pairing of "Baalim and Ashtaroth," which collectively represents the entire pantheon of Canaanite deities and, by extension, all forms of idolatry. This comprehensive naming emphasizes the totality of Israel's previous spiritual compromise and the completeness of their renunciation. There is also an implicit **Parallelism** or **Contrast** between the negative act of "putting away" the false gods and the positive act of "serving the LORD only." This structure highlights the dual nature of true repentance: turning *from* sin and turning *to* God. Furthermore, the physical act of removing idols functions as **Symbolism**, representing the internal spiritual cleansing and the renewal of the covenant relationship. The verse itself acts as a **Turning Point** or **Climax** in the narrative, marking the culmination of Samuel's prophetic call and setting the stage for divine intervention, thus functioning as a pivotal moment in Israel's spiritual journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 7:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true repentance and the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion to God. It underscores that genuine turning to God involves a decisive renunciation of anything that competes for ultimate allegiance, whether ancient idols or modern substitutes. The Old Testament consistently portrays idolatry not merely as a ritualistic error but as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship with Yahweh, who demands total loyalty as the one true God. This verse exemplifies the principle that when God's people genuinely humble themselves, confess their sin, and turn back to Him with undivided hearts, He is faithful to respond with grace and deliverance. It highlights the dynamic interplay between human obedience and divine action, demonstrating that God often waits for His people's repentance before unleashing His full power on their behalf.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14-15 - Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Samuel 7:4 remains a powerful and convicting call to radical, exclusive devotion to God. While we may not erect physical statues of Baalim or Ashtaroth, the human heart is still prone to idolatry. Modern "idols" are often more subtle, encompassing anything—be it career, wealth, comfort, relationships, self-image, technology, or even ministry itself—that occupies the place of ultimate allegiance in our lives, competing with our love and service to God. This verse challenges us to engage in a rigorous self-examination, identifying what truly holds sway over our affections and priorities. True repentance, mirroring Israel's act, involves a decisive "putting away" of these competing loyalties—a conscious, intentional renunciation of anything that hinders our full and undivided worship of God. It then calls us to actively "serve the LORD only," translating our renewed commitment into daily choices that reflect His supremacy in every area of our lives, trusting that as we turn wholeheartedly to Him, He will bring spiritual breakthrough and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "Baalim and Ashtaroth" (things that compete for ultimate loyalty) might be present in my life today?**
* **What specific, tangible steps can I take to "put away" these idols and renounce their influence?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively and consistently "serve the LORD only" in my daily routines, decisions, and relationships?**

### FAQ

**Why were Baalim and Ashtaroth so prevalent in Israel, despite God's clear commands against idolatry?**

Answer: The prevalence of Baalim and Ashtaroth in Israel was due to a complex interplay of factors. Firstly, the Canaanite religion was deeply embedded in the land and its agricultural practices. As the Israelites transitioned from nomadic life to settled agriculture, they were tempted to adopt the local fertility cults, believing they were necessary for good harvests, as the Canaanite gods were thought to control rain and crops. Secondly, there was a strong cultural assimilation, as the Israelites lived among the Canaanites and often intermarried with them, leading to the adoption of their customs and religious practices. Thirdly, political and economic alliances often necessitated religious syncretism. Finally, Israel's spiritual leadership was often weak or compromised during the period of the Judges, leading to a cyclical pattern of apostasy and oppression, as described in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy"). This verse in 1 Samuel represents a significant, albeit temporary, break from this long-standing pattern.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 7:4, with its powerful depiction of Israel's repentance and return to exclusive worship of the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "Baalim and Ashtaroth" of ancient Israel represent the myriad false lords and competing loyalties that vie for humanity's devotion. Jesus, the true [Lord of lords and King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), comes to deliver us from all forms of idolatry, whether overt or subtle. His life and teachings consistently call for an exclusive and undivided allegiance to God, echoing the command to [worship the Lord your God, and serve him only](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Worship God Alone"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ provides the means for genuine repentance and the power to "put away" the idols of our hearts, whether they be money, power, self, or any other created thing that usurps God's rightful place ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")). Furthermore, the New Covenant, established through His blood, empowers believers with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to truly "serve the LORD only" in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), transforming our hearts from within to live a life of singular devotion that the Old Covenant, due to human weakness, could not fully achieve ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")). He is the ultimate deliverer who enables us to break free from the bondage of false gods and live in true freedom and worship.

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

Hosea 14:8

¶ Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Hosea 14:3

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

Judges 10:15

And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.

Judges 10:16

And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

Judges 2:11

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

1 Kings 11:33

Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do [that which is] right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and my judgments, as [did] David his father.

Judges 2:13

And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.