1 Samuel 7:6 -
They … drew water, and poured it out before Jehovah. While the drawing of water was a joyful act ( Isaiah 12:3 ; John 7:37 , John 7:38 ), as symbolising the winning from the depths below of the source of life and health, the pouring it out before Jehovah expressed sorrow for sin, and so it is explained by the Chaldee Paraphrast: "They poured out their heart in penitence like water before the Lord" (comp. Psalms 22:14 ). It might here also signify weakness and powerlessness, the being "as water spilt upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up again" ( 2 Samuel 14:14 ). They further expressed their sorrow by fasting, enjoined "for the afflicting of their souls" upon the great day of atonement (Le 16:29, 31; 1 Samuel 23:27 , 32; Numbers 29:7 ). And to these symbolical acts they joined the confession of the mouth, acknowledging that "they had sinned against Jehovah.
And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. That is, he now became the acknowledged ruler of Israel in things temporal, both civil and military; as he had previously been in things spiritual by virtue of his office as prophet. This was, of course, the result of the decisive action he had taken in summoning this national convention; but the words strongly suggest that there was some direct appointment, or at the very least a national acknowledgment of Samuel's authority, especially as they precede the history of the defeat of the Philistines. He had summoned the people together as Nabi, prophet, and when he said, "I will pray for you unto Jehovah," there was the implied meaning that he would be with them only in that capacity. But when the time came to appoint a general, who would act under him as Barak had acted under Deborah, the great chiefs, probably, who saw in him the prime mover of all that was being done, urged him also to take the command,and upon his consent he became also Shophet or judge.
ISRAEL 'S DELIVERANCE FROM THE TYRANNY OF THE PHILISTINES ( 1 Samuel 7:7-14 ).
When the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. This was perfectly natural, and implied no intention on the part of the Israelites not to fight it out. No dominant nation would permit a subject race to hold such a meeting as Samuel's at Mizpah without having recourse to arms; but the Philistines acted with such promptness and vigour as brought home to the assembled Israelites not merely the conviction that they would have to fight, but that they must do it at once, and with the combined forces of the enemy. In spite, nevertheless, of their fears, they determine to await the attack, and that this decision was taken in faith their own words prove. For they say, Cease not to cry unto Jehovah our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. The words literally are, "Be not silent from crying," etc. Let him mediate for them with God, and they will await the onslaught of the foe.
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