1 Samuel 7:1-6

1So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD . They brought it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the LORD .

2The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. Samuel Subdues the Philistines at Mizpah 2Then all the people of Israel turned back to the LORD . 3So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”

2The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. Samuel Subdues the Philistines at Mizpah 2Then all the people of Israel turned back to the LORD . 3So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”

4So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. 5Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.”

6When they had assembled 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 .” Now Samuel was serving as leader Traditionally judge; also in verse 15 of Israel at Mizpah.