1 Samuel 7:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they gathered together {H6908} to Mizpeh {H4709}, and drew {H7579} water {H4325}, and poured it out {H8210} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and fasted {H6684} on that day {H3117}, and said {H559} there, We have sinned {H2398} against the LORD {H3068}. And Samuel {H8050} judged {H8199} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} in Mizpeh {H4708}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they gathered together at Mitzpah, drew water and poured it out before ADONAI, fasted that day, and said there, "We have sinned against ADONAI." Sh'mu'el began serving as judge over the people of Isra'el at Mitzpah.

Berean Standard Bible

When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.

American Standard Version

And they gathered together to Mizpah, and drew water, and poured it out before Jehovah, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against Jehovah. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 7:6 chronicles a pivotal national assembly at Mizpeh, marking a profound moment of repentance and spiritual renewal for the Israelites under the prophetic leadership of Samuel. After decades of Philistine oppression and spiritual apostasy, the people collectively humbled themselves before the LORD by drawing and pouring out water, fasting, and publicly confessing their sin. This transformative act of contrition and renewed commitment to Yahweh served as the essential spiritual prerequisite for the divine deliverance that followed, establishing a new trajectory for the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a crucial turning point in Israel's narrative, directly following a twenty-year period of intense Philistine domination and the spiritual decline lamented in [1 Samuel 7:2](/1_samuel/7-2 "1 Samuel 7:2 - Israel's Distress Under Philistine Oppression"). Samuel, having matured into a respected prophet and judge, had previously issued a direct challenge to the Israelites, urging them to abandon their foreign gods and Ashtoreths and to serve the LORD alone ([1 Samuel 7:3](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3 - Samuel's Call to Repentance")). The gathering at Mizpeh, therefore, represents the people's collective and obedient response to Samuel's call for radical spiritual reformation. This national act of repentance is presented as the necessary spiritual foundation that precedes and enables the LORD's miraculous intervention and deliverance from the Philistines, detailed immediately thereafter in [1 Samuel 7:7-11](/1_samuel/7-7 "1 Samuel 7:7-11 - God's Deliverance at Mizpeh"). Thus, the verse highlights the indispensable link between national repentance and divine salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of 1 Samuel is a transitional era for Israel, moving from the decentralized tribal confederacy of the Judges' period towards a centralized monarchy. The Philistines, a formidable and technologically advanced people (notably possessing iron weaponry, which Israel lacked), posed a constant and severe existential threat, having recently inflicted a devastating defeat on Israel and captured the Ark of the Covenant at Aphek ([1 Samuel 4:1-11](/1_samuel/4-1 "1 Samuel 4:1-11 - The Battle of Aphek and Loss of the Ark")). Mizpeh, meaning "watchtower," was a strategically significant high place located in the tribal territory of Benjamin. Its elevated position and historical use made it a frequent and recognized national assembly point for Israel, as evidenced in earlier accounts like [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel Gathers at Mizpeh to Avenge the Levite's Concubine") and later in [1 Samuel 10:17](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17 - Saul Chosen as King at Mizpeh"). Its selection for this gathering underscores the national, unified, and solemn nature of this act of repentance. The practices of fasting and public confession were deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern and Israelite traditions as potent expressions of lament, humility, earnest supplication, and a deep desire for divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative of covenant relationship. Foremost is the theme of **national repentance and spiritual revival**, illustrating that genuine turning from idolatry and sin is an absolute prerequisite for experiencing divine favor and deliverance. It profoundly emphasizes the **importance of prophetic leadership**, with Samuel serving as God's chosen mediator, faithfully guiding the people back to covenant faithfulness and true worship. The explicit and collective confession, "We have sinned against the LORD," underscores the critical theme of **accountability and the acknowledgment of wrongdoing** as an essential step for true reconciliation and restoration with God. Furthermore, the symbolic actions of pouring water and fasting vividly highlight the themes of **humility, lament, and utter dependence on God**, demonstrating that authentic spiritual renewal necessitates profound self-abasement and a reliance on divine mercy rather than human strength or reliance on foreign deities. This pivotal event at Mizpeh also serves to foreshadow the establishment of a righteous kingdom in Israel, one built upon a foundation of unwavering obedience and devotion to Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From H2398, this primitive root means "to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent." The declaration, "We have sinned against the LORD," is a direct, unequivocal, and corporate confession of Israel's transgression against God's covenant. It signifies a profound acknowledgment that their national distress and the Philistine oppression were not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their idolatry, disobedience, and spiritual wandering. This verbal acknowledgment is crucial, moving beyond mere sorrow to a public declaration of guilt and responsibility, an indispensable step for genuine repentance and the possibility of restoration.
* **Water (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** From H4325, this word refers to "water; figuratively, juice." In this context, the physical act of drawing and pouring out water is imbued with profound symbolic meaning. While water is a basic necessity for life, its deliberate pouring out, particularly in a ritualistic context not explicitly commanded by Mosaic Law, transforms it into a powerful metaphor. It signifies a "pouring out" of their very lives, their hearts, their sorrow, and their utter dependence before God, much like water that cannot be gathered once spilled. It speaks to a complete emptying of self, a profound act of humility, and a thirst for God's presence and cleansing.
* **Judged (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** From H8199, this primitive root means "to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extension, to govern." Samuel's act of "judging" here transcends mere legal arbitration. It encompasses his multifaceted role as a prophet, priest (though not of the Aaronic line), and spiritual leader. His judging involved discerning God's will, administering justice, providing spiritual guidance, and mediating between God and His people. It implies a restoration of order and righteousness within Israel, aligning the people once again with God's covenant standards, and solidifying Samuel's authority as God's appointed leader.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they gathered together to Mizpeh,"**: This opening clause establishes the setting and the collective, unified nature of the event. Mizpeh, a historically significant assembly point, emphasizes the national scope of this spiritual turning. The act of gathering signifies intentionality, a shared purpose, and a corporate commitment among the tribes of Israel to address their spiritual condition.
* **"and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD,"**: This is the most unique and symbolically rich action within the verse. The drawing of water, a common daily task, followed by its pouring out before the LORD, is not a ritual found in the Mosaic Law. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," it powerfully conveys humility, lament, and a complete emptying of self before God, symbolizing their contrite hearts and utter dependence on Him, much like water poured out cannot be retrieved. It is an act of profound spiritual vulnerability and devotion, signifying a deep thirst for God and a complete surrender.
* **"and fasted on that day,"**: Fasting is a well-attested biblical practice signifying deep earnestness, mourning, humility, and a prioritization of spiritual matters over physical needs. By abstaining from food, the Israelites demonstrated their profound sorrow over their sin and their intense focus on seeking God's mercy and intervention. It underscores the seriousness of their repentance and their desperate plea for divine favor.
* **"and said there, We have sinned against the LORD."**: This verbal confession is the culmination of their internal conviction and symbolic actions. It is a public, explicit, and corporate acknowledgment of their guilt and rebellion against Yahweh. This collective declaration of sin is essential for true repentance, demonstrating a shared understanding of their spiritual breach and a unified desire for reconciliation with their covenant God.
* **"And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh."**: This concluding clause highlights Samuel's central and indispensable role as both spiritual leader and judicial authority. His presence and leadership legitimized the assembly, guided their repentance, and ensured the re-establishment of covenant order. His act of "judging" here extends beyond mere legal arbitration to encompass spiritual discernment, guidance, and the administration of justice in accordance with God's will, solidifying his position as the prophet-judge who mediates between God and His people and restores national righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Symbolism** is paramount, particularly in the unique act of drawing and pouring out water. This ritual, not explicitly commanded elsewhere, serves as a profound visual metaphor for the people's contrite hearts, their "pouring out" of sorrow and humility before God, and their utter dependence on Him. It is a non-verbal expression of profound repentance and a desperate plea for divine mercy. The **Repetition** of "Mizpeh" at both the beginning and end of the verse effectively frames the entire event, emphasizing the singular importance of this specific location as a national gathering point for both spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of judicial order. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing**, as this national act of repentance and Samuel's successful leadership set the stage for God's subsequent miraculous deliverance from the Philistines, hinting at the divine favor and intervention that invariably follow genuine turning to God. The concise, action-oriented language contributes to the dramatic impact and historical significance of this pivotal moment in Israel's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 7:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of genuine repentance and God's unwavering responsiveness to a contrite heart. It illustrates with clarity that true spiritual revival, whether for an individual or an entire nation, must commence with a humble, unreserved acknowledgment of sin and a decisive turning back to God. The combined symbolic actions of pouring water and fasting, coupled with the explicit verbal confession, demonstrate that God desires not merely outward ritual or superficial displays, but an inward transformation of the heart—a transformation characterized by deep humility, genuine sorrow for sin, and a renewed, exclusive commitment to Him. This passage powerfully underscores the enduring biblical principle that divine intervention, deliverance, and restoration are often predicated upon human repentance and obedience, establishing a consistent pattern seen throughout the grand narrative of Scripture where God's people experience renewal and salvation after turning from their wicked ways. Samuel's crucial role as judge, prophet, and intercessor highlights the indispensable necessity of godly leadership in guiding a people back to covenant faithfulness and spiritual health.

* [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12 "Return to the LORD with All Your Heart and Fasting")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "A Broken and Contrite Heart God Will Not Despise")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confession of Sins Leads to Forgiveness and Cleansing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound scene at Mizpeh offers timeless and deeply relevant lessons for contemporary believers and the church today. It serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual renewal, whether on a personal level or within a corporate community, must begin with a profound, unreserved, and honest acknowledgment of sin. The Israelites' comprehensive actions—gathering with intentionality, symbolically pouring out water, engaging in corporate fasting, and offering a collective confession—demonstrate a holistic and earnest approach to repentance that integrates physical expression, emotional contrition, and verbal declaration. This passage challenges us to critically examine our own lives and our faith communities: are we truly "pouring out" our hearts before the LORD in genuine humility and vulnerability, or are we holding back portions of our lives from His transforming grace? Do we prioritize spiritual disciplines like fasting, earnest prayer, and corporate confession in times of personal distress, national crisis, or spiritual complacency? This narrative encourages us to embrace radical humility, recognizing that our brokenness, our utter dependence, and our willingness to surrender are the very conditions through which God's boundless grace, redemptive power, and restorative presence can flow most freely. It also underscores the vital and enduring role of spiritual leadership in faithfully calling people to repentance and guiding them towards genuine reconciliation with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "pouring out your heart" before the LORD look like in your personal life or in your faith community today, and what practical steps can you take to embody this posture of humility?**
* **How does the corporate nature of Israel's repentance at Mizpeh challenge or inspire your understanding of communal confession, shared responsibility for sin, and the pursuit of corporate spiritual revival?**
* **In what specific ways might you or your community be holding back from a full and honest confession of sin before God, and what tangible steps can be taken to embrace the profound humility and surrender exemplified in 1 Samuel 7:6?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "pouring out water" before the LORD, as Israel did at Mizpeh?**

Answer: The act of pouring out water before the LORD is not a prescribed sacrifice within the Mosaic Law, making its significance deeply symbolic rather than ritualistic. Scholars interpret this unique action in several profound ways, all pointing to a posture of extreme humility, lament, and earnest supplication. It is most commonly understood as a symbolic "pouring out of the heart" before God, representing deep sorrow, profound contrition, and a complete emptying of oneself in lament and utter dependence. Just as water poured on the ground cannot be gathered, it may signify an irreversible commitment to God, a profound sense of spiritual desolation, or an intense thirst for God's presence and cleansing. Some also view it as a symbolic act of purification or a solemn oath, akin to a libation, signifying a renewed and exclusive covenant commitment to Yahweh, abandoning all other gods. It was a powerful, non-verbal expression of their repentance and their desperate reliance on God for deliverance.

**Why was Mizpeh chosen as the gathering place for this national repentance?**

Answer: Mizpeh held significant historical, strategic, and religious importance for Israel. Its name, meaning "watchtower," suggests an elevated, defensible position, making it a natural and recognized gathering point for the scattered tribes. Throughout Israel's history, Mizpeh frequently served as a place of national assembly, covenant renewal, and judicial proceedings, as evidenced in earlier accounts such as [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Israel Gathers for Justice at Mizpeh") and later in the selection of Saul as king in [1 Samuel 10:17](/1_samuel/10-17 "Saul is Chosen King at Mizpeh"). Its selection for this pivotal event underscored the national and unified nature of Israel's repentance, signifying that this was a corporate turning to God. It was a recognized spiritual and political center where the people could collectively humble themselves before God and submit to Samuel's authoritative leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 7:6, with its profound themes of national repentance, intercession, and divine deliverance, finds its ultimate and most complete Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Israelites' corporate confession, "We have sinned against the LORD," powerfully highlights humanity's universal and desperate need for atonement, a need that could never be fully met by symbolic water rituals or the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant. This profound spiritual deficit is ultimately and perfectly satisfied by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The symbolic "pouring out" of water at Mizpeh, representing the pouring out of contrite hearts in sorrow and humility, foreshadows the ultimate and infinitely more significant "pouring out" of Christ's precious blood on the cross—His very life [poured out as a drink offering](/philippians/2-17 "Paul's Life Poured Out") for the complete redemption of humanity. Samuel, acting as the prophet-judge who mediates between God and His people, serves as a clear type of Christ, our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and the [sole Mediator](/1_timothy/2-5 "One Mediator Between God and Man") between God and humanity, who perpetually intercedes for us before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ Intercedes for Us")). While Israel's deliverance at Mizpeh was temporal and physical, Christ's finished work on the cross brings eternal salvation, spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin, and victory over death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). Thus, the repentance at Mizpeh points forward to the ultimate and complete reconciliation with God made possible through faith in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law's demands, bore the full judgment for our sins, and now graciously invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for true spiritual rest and renewal ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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

1 Samuel 1:15

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I [am] a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

2 Samuel 14:14

For we must needs die, and [are] as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect [any] person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

Judges 10:10

¶ And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

Joel 2:12

¶ Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Psalms 106:6

¶ We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

Jeremiah 9:1

¶ Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!