TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
Complete Jewish Bible
The people of Isra'el said to Sh'mu'el, "Don't stop crying out to ADONAI our God for us, to save us from the power of the P'lishtim."
Berean Standard Bible
and said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”
American Standard Version
And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto Jehovah our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
World English Bible Messianic
The children of Israel said to Samuel, “Don’t cease to cry to the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the children of Israel sayd to Samuel, Cease not to crie vnto the Lord our God for vs, that hee may saue vs out of the hand of the Philistims.
Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel say unto Samuel, `Keep not silent for us from crying unto Jehovah our God, and He doth save us out of the hand of the Philistines.'
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In the KJVVerse 7,361 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 7 verses 7–12
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.
8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.
10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
Here, I. The Philistines invade Israel (Sa1 7:7), taking umbrage from that general meeting for repentance and prayer as if it had been a rendezvous for war, and, if so, they thought it prudent to keep the war out of their own country. They had no just cause for this suspicion; but those that seek to do mischief to others will be forward to imagine that others design mischief to them. Now see here, 1. How evil sometimes seems to come out of good. The religious meeting of the Israelites at Mizpeh brought trouble upon them from the Philistines, which perhaps tempted them to wish they had staid at home and to blame Samuel for calling them together. But we may be in God's way and yet meet with distress; nay, when sinners begin to repent and reform, they must expect that Satan will muster all his force against them, and set his instruments on work to the utmost to oppose and discourage them. But, 2. How good is, at length, brought out of that evil. Israel could never be threatened more seasonably than at this time, when they were repenting and praying, nor could they have been better prepared to receive the enemy; nor could the Philistines have acted more impolitely for themselves than to make war upon Israel at this time, when they were making their peace with God. But God permitted them to do it, that he might have an opportunity immediately of crowning his people's reformation with tokens of his favour, and of confirming the words of his messenger, who had assured them that if they repented God would deliver them out of the hand of the Philistines. Thus he makes man's wrath to praise him, and serves the purposes of his grace to his people even by the malicious designs of their enemies against them, Mic 4:11, Mic 4:12.
II. Israel cleaves closely to Samuel, as their best friend, under God, in this distress; though he was no military man, nor ever celebrated as a mighty man of valour, yet, being afraid of the Philistines, for whom they thought themselves an unequal match, they engaged Samuel's prayers for them: Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, Sa1 7:8. They were here unarmed, unprepared for war, come together to fast and pray, not to fight; prayers and tears therefore being all the weapons many of them are now furnished with, to these they have recourse. And, knowing Samuel to have a great interest in heaven, they earnestly beg of him to improve it for them. They had reason to expect it, because he had promised to pray for them (Sa1 7:5), had promised them deliverance from the Philistines (Sa1 7:3), and they had been observant of him in all that which he had spoken to them from the Lord. Thus those who sincerely submit to Christ, as their lawgiver and judge, need not doubt of their interest in his intercession. They were very solicitous that Samuel should not cease to pray for them: what military preparations were to be made they would undertake them, but let him continue instant in prayer, perhaps remembering that when Moses did but let down his hand ever so little Amalek prevailed. O what a comfort is it to all believers that our great intercessor above never ceases, is never silent, for he always appears in the presence of God for us!
III. Samuel intercedes with God for them, and does it by sacrifice, Sa1 7:9. He took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt-offering, a whole burnt-offering, to the Lord, and, while the sacrifice was in burning, with the smoke of it his prayers ascended up to heaven for Israel. Observe, 1. He made intercession with a sacrifice. Christ intercedes in the virtue of his satisfaction, and in all our prayers we must have an eye to his great oblation, depending upon that for audience and acceptance. Samuel's sacrifice without his prayer would have been an empty shadow, his prayer without the sacrifice would not have been so prevalent, but both together teach us what great things we may expect from God in answer to those prayers which are made with faith in Christ's sacrifice. 2. It was a burnt-offering, which was offered purely for the glory of God, so intimating that the great plea he relied on in his prayer was taken from the honour of God. "Lord, help thy people now for thy name's sake." When we endeavour to give glory to God we may hope he will, in answer to our prayers, work for his own glory. 3. It was but one sucking lamb that he offered; for it is the integrity and intention of the heart that God looks at, more than the bulk or number of the offerings. This one lamb (typifying the Lamb of God) was more acceptable than thousands of rams or bullocks would have been without faith and prayer. Samuel was no priest, but he was a Levite and a prophet; the case was extraordinary, and what he did was by special direction, and therefore was accepted of God. And justly was this reproach put upon the priests because they had corrupted themselves.
IV. God gave a gracious answer to Samuel's prayer (Sa1 7:9): The Lord heard him. He was himself a Samuel, asked of God, and many a Samuel, many a mercy in answer to prayer, God gave him. Sons of prayer should be famous for praying, as Samuel was among those that call upon his name, Psa 99:6. The answer was a real answer: the Philistines were discomfited (Sa1 7:10, Sa1 7:11), totally routed, and that in such a manner as highly magnified the prayer of Samuel, the power of God, and the valour of Israel. 1. The prayer of Samuel was honoured; for at the very time when he was offering up his sacrifice, and his prayer with it, the battle began, and turned immediately against the Philistines. Thus while he was yet speaking God heard, and answered in thunder, Isa 65:24. God showed that it was Samuel's prayer and sacrifice that he had respect to, and hereby let Israel know that as in a former engagement with the Philistines he had justly chastised their presumptuous confidence in the presence of the ark, on the shoulders of two profane priests, so now he graciously accepted their humble dependence upon the prayer of faith from the mouth and heart of a pious prophet. 2. The power of God was greatly honoured; for he took the work into his own hand, and discomfited them, not with great hail-stones, which would kill them (as Jos 10:11), but with a great thunder, which frightened them and put them into such terror and consternation that they fainted away, and became a very easy prey to the sword of Israel, before whom, being thus confounded, they were smitten. Josephus adds that the earth quaked under them when first they made the onset and in many places opened and swallowed them up, and that, besides the terror of the thunder, their faces and hands were burnt with lightning, which obliged them to shift for themselves by flight. And, being thus driven to their heels by the immediate hand of God (whom they feared not so much as they had feared his ark, Sa1 4:7), then, 3. Honour was put upon the hosts of Israel; they were made use of for the completing of the victory, and had the pleasure of triumphing over their oppressors: They pursued the Philistines, and smote them. How soon did they find the benefit of their repentance, and reformation, and return to God! Now that they have thus engaged him for them none of their enemies can stand before them.
V. Samuel erected a thankful memorial of this victory, to the glory of God and for the encouragement of Israel, Sa1 7:12. He set up an Eben-ezer, the stone of help. If ever the people's hard hearts should lose the impressions of this providence, this stone would either revive the remembrance of it, and make them thankful, or remain a standing witness against them for their unthankfulness. 1. The place where this memorial was set up was the same where, twenty years before, the Israelites were smitten before the Philistines, for that was beside Eben-ezer, Sa1 4:1. The sin which procured that defeat formerly being pardoned upon their repentance, the pardon was sealed by this glorious victory in the very same place where they then suffered loss; see Hos 1:10. 2. Samuel himself took care to set up this monument. He had been instrumental by prayer to obtain the mercy, and therefore he thought himself in a special manner obliged to make this grateful acknowledgement of it. 3. The reason he gives for the name is, Hitherto the Lord hath helped us, in which he speaks thankfully of what was past, giving the glory of the victory to God only, who had added this to all his former favours; and yet he speaks somewhat doubtfully for the future: "Hitherto things have done well, but what God may yet do with us we know not, that we refer to him; but let us praise him for what he has done." Note, The beginnings of mercy and deliverance are to be acknowledged by us with thankfulness so far as they go, though they be not completely finished, nay, though the issue seem uncertain. Having obtained help from God, I continue hitherto, says blessed Paul, Act 26:22.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–12. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 7:8 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's spiritual restoration, revealing their desperate plea to the prophet Samuel for divine intervention against the formidable Philistine threat. Following a period of national repentance and a turning away from idolatry at Mizpeh, the Israelites faced an imminent attack from their long-standing oppressors. Their urgent cry to Samuel, entreating him to intercede on their behalf, underscores a profound shift from self-reliance and spiritual apathy to a renewed, humble dependence on the saving power of the LORD their God. This verse highlights the efficacy of intercessory prayer and God's faithfulness to deliver His repentant people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Dialogue, presenting a direct quote of the Israelites' urgent plea to Samuel, which immediately conveys their collective fear, desperation, and renewed spiritual focus. The phrase "cry unto the LORD" is a powerful instance of Metonymy, where "cry" (the act of vocal supplication) stands for the entire process of fervent, intercessory prayer and the deep spiritual anguish that prompts it. There is also a strong sense of Antithesis implied: Israel's utter helplessness and military weakness are starkly contrasted with the anticipated omnipotence and saving power of the LORD. The "hand of the Philistines" serves as potent Symbolism, representing not merely physical hands but the oppressive power, control, and military might of their adversaries, from which only divine intervention can deliver them. The entire verse functions as a Supplication, a humble and earnest appeal for divine aid, demonstrating a significant spiritual turning point for the nation as they return to their covenant God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 7:8 is profoundly theological, underscoring the vital role of intercessory prayer and the absolute necessity of divine intervention for salvation. It reveals that true national security and deliverance are not found in military might, political maneuvering, or human strategy, but in humble repentance and unwavering dependence on God. Israel's plea acknowledges God as their "LORD our God," signifying a renewed covenant relationship and a recognition of His unique authority and power to save. This moment serves as a powerful testament to God's responsiveness to the cries of His repentant people and the efficacy of a righteous mediator's prayers. It teaches that even in the face of overwhelming odds, turning to God in earnest prayer is the most potent weapon, demonstrating that He alone is the source of true victory and peace.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The desperate plea of the Israelites in 1 Samuel 7:8 resonates deeply with the human experience of facing overwhelming challenges. When we encounter personal crises, national turmoil, or spiritual battles that seem insurmountable, our natural inclination might be to rely on our own strength, clever strategies, or even succumb to despair. However, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze, reminding us that our first and most effective response should be to "cease not to cry unto the LORD our God." It calls us to embrace a posture of profound dependence, acknowledging our limitations and God's limitless power. This passage encourages us to cultivate a life of fervent prayer, not only for ourselves but also to earnestly intercede for others, recognizing the transformative power of a community united in supplication. Just as Israel found deliverance when they humbled themselves and called upon God through their faithful leader, we too can trust in God's saving power when we turn to Him in humility and faith, knowing that true salvation and victory come from Him alone.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Israel ask Samuel to pray instead of praying themselves?
Answer: The Israelites' request for Samuel to intercede reflects his established role as a trusted prophet and mediator between God and His people. In ancient Israel, prophets often served as conduits for divine communication and intercession, particularly in times of national crisis. While individuals could and did pray, the collective, national plea through a recognized spiritual leader like Samuel carried significant weight, signifying a unified act of repentance and dependence. It also demonstrated their faith in Samuel's righteousness and his close relationship with the LORD, believing that God would hear his fervent prayers on their behalf, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:9. This communal appeal through their appointed spiritual leader underscored their corporate repentance and reliance on God's chosen instrument.
What does "out of the hand of the Philistines" signify?
Answer: The phrase "out of the hand of the Philistines" is an idiomatic expression that signifies complete deliverance from the power, control, and oppression of their enemies. The "hand" here symbolizes authority, strength, and the ability to inflict harm or maintain dominion. Israel was under the Philistine yoke, suffering from their military superiority and political subjugation. Therefore, to be saved "out of their hand" meant to be completely liberated from their oppressive rule, their military threat, and their ability to dictate Israel's national life. This deliverance led to a period of peace and restored borders, as described in 1 Samuel 7:13-14, signifying a comprehensive release from their adversaries' grasp.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 7:8, with its depiction of Israel's desperate cry for a mediator to save them from their enemies, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect intercession of Jesus Christ. Samuel, as a faithful prophet and priest, stood between God and His people, offering sacrifice and prayer to secure their temporal deliverance. This mediatorial role, however temporary and imperfect, points to the singular and eternal mediation of Christ. Humanity, far more oppressed by sin and death than Israel was by the Philistines, stands utterly helpless, unable to save itself. Our cry for salvation is answered not by a human prophet, but by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is the one mediator between God and mankind, who not only intercedes for us but also offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to secure our eternal deliverance. He is our great high priest who always lives to intercede for us, saving us not just from physical foes, but from the spiritual "hand" of sin, death, and the devil. The salvation Israel experienced at Ebenezer was a temporal foreshadowing of the complete and everlasting salvation that Jesus, whose very name means "the LORD saves" (Matthew 1:21), provides for all who cry out to Him in faith. His perfect sacrifice and continuous intercession ensure that those who trust in Him are truly delivered from every form of oppression, securing an eternal victory that far surpasses any earthly triumph.