1 Samuel 7:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} said {H559} to Samuel {H8050}, Cease {H2790} not to cry {H2199} unto the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} for us, that he will save {H3467} us out of the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial turning point in Israel's history, following a prolonged period of profound spiritual decline and military defeat, most notably the devastating loss of the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines, as detailed in [1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - The Ark Captured"). Samuel, having emerged as a faithful prophet and judge, called the nation to a solemn assembly of repentance at Mizpeh, where they confessed their sins and put away their foreign gods, as recorded in [1 Samuel 7:3-6](/1_samuel/7-3-6 "1 Samuel 7:3-6 - Samuel's Call to Repentance at Mizpeh"). Just as Israel was recommitting themselves to the LORD, the Philistines, perceiving this gathering as a hostile act and a reassertion of Israelite strength, advanced for battle. The urgent plea in [1 Samuel 7:8](/1_samuel/7-8 "1 Samuel 7:8 - Israel's Plea to Samuel") immediately precedes Samuel's powerful intercession and God's miraculous deliverance, setting the stage for a significant victory that ushered in a period of peace and renewed national identity, described in [1 Samuel 7:9-14](/1_samuel/7-9-14 "1 Samuel 7:9-14 - God's Deliverance at Ebenezer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period preceding 1 Samuel 7 was characterized by the oppressive Philistine presence, a dominant military power that had subjugated Israel for decades. This oppression was partly a divine consequence of Israel's widespread idolatry and moral decay during the era of the Judges, a time when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). Mizpeh was a significant tribal and religious gathering place, often used for assemblies, covenant renewals, and judicial proceedings. For the Israelites to gather there, confess their sins, and put away their foreign gods ([1 Samuel 7:4](/1_samuel/7-4 "1 Samuel 7:4 - Israel Puts Away Idols")) was a radical act of national repentance, a public renunciation of their apostasy. Their fear of the Philistines was not unfounded; they had suffered previous crushing defeats, and their military capabilities were inferior. Their turning to Samuel, the spiritual leader, rather than military commanders, reflects a cultural understanding of the prophet's role as a mediator between God and His people, especially in times of national crisis and existential threat.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 7:8](/1_samuel/7-8 "1 Samuel 7:8 - Israel's Plea to Samuel") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent in the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights the **power and necessity of intercessory prayer**, demonstrating that true deliverance comes not from human strength but from divine intervention in response to humble supplication. This verse also underscores the theme of **national repentance and restoration**, showing that when God's people turn from their idols and seek Him wholeheartedly, He is faithful to hear and act. Furthermore, it solidifies **Samuel's role as a faithful mediator and prophet**, a figure through whom God communicates and acts on behalf of His people, foreshadowing the need for a perfect mediator. Finally, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant**, proving that despite Israel's failures, God remains committed to His promises of protection and salvation for those who truly depend on Him, as seen in the subsequent miraculous defeat of the Philistines ([1 Samuel 7:10-11](/1_samuel/7-10-11 "1 Samuel 7:10-11 - God Thunders Against the Philistines")). This entire sequence serves as a powerful reminder of God's steadfast love and His willingness to deliver His people when they return to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cry (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** This verb denotes a loud, urgent, and often desperate appeal for help or justice, typically from a position of distress or oppression. It is not merely a request but an impassioned outcry, signifying the severity of Israel's fear and their profound sense of helplessness before the Philistine threat. It implies a recognition that only a powerful external force, namely God, can deliver them from their dire predicament.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** Meaning "to deliver," "to liberate," or "to bring victory," this word emphasizes God's active, powerful intervention to rescue from danger. It is a comprehensive term for salvation, encompassing not just physical deliverance from enemies but also spiritual and existential rescue. In this context, it highlights God's unique ability to provide the deliverance that Israel utterly lacked on its own, underscoring His role as the ultimate Savior.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand," in this context, "out of the hand of the Philistines" is a powerful idiom signifying power, control, or oppressive authority. It vividly portrays Israel as being under the dominion and oppressive grip of their enemies. To be saved "out of the hand" means to be completely liberated from their control, their military might, and their destructive influence, thereby restoring Israel's freedom and sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel said to Samuel":** This opening clause establishes the collective speaker and the recipient of the urgent plea. It signifies a unified, national voice, indicating a shared recognition of Samuel's spiritual authority and their profound desperation. This direct address to Samuel underscores his unique position as God's appointed representative and the trusted spiritual leader of the nation, highlighting their reliance on his mediatorial role.
* **"Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us":** This is the core of Israel's petition. "Cease not" (literally, "do not be silent" or "do not stop") conveys the intensity and continuous nature of their desired intercession. They are not asking for a casual prayer but an unrelenting, fervent appeal to God. The phrase "the LORD our God" is profoundly significant; it reflects a renewed covenantal relationship, acknowledging Yahweh as their personal and national deity, distinct from the foreign gods they had recently abandoned. The "for us" emphasizes their complete dependence on Samuel's mediatorial role.
* **"that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.":** This clause states the explicit purpose and desired outcome of the intercessory prayer. It articulates their dire need for divine deliverance from the oppressive and threatening power of the Philistines. They recognize that their own strength is utterly insufficient and that only God's saving action can free them from the "hand," or control, of their formidable enemy. This expresses their faith that God is both able and willing to intervene on their behalf, demonstrating a profound shift from self-reliance to divine dependence.

#### 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.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - Salvation is Not by Military Might")
* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People Humble Themselves")

### 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
* **When faced with overwhelming challenges, what is my default response? Does it align with Israel's plea for divine intervention?**
* **How does this passage challenge any tendency towards self-reliance or despair in my own life?**
* **What is the role of intercessory prayer in my personal spiritual discipline and within my faith community?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to explicitly acknowledge God as "my God" and trust Him to "save me out of the hand" of whatever oppresses me?**

### 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](/1_samuel/7-9 "1 Samuel 7:9 - Samuel Cries to the LORD"). 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](/1_samuel/7-13-14 "1 Samuel 7:13-14 - Philistines Subdued, Cities Restored"), 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus is the [one mediator between God and mankind](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus"), 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](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Permanent Intercessor"), 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](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People from Their Sins")), 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.

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

Isaiah 37:4

It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that is left.

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

1 Samuel 12:19

And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king.

1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.

Isaiah 62:6

¶ I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,

Isaiah 62:7

And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Isaiah 62:1

¶ For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp [that] burneth.