1 Samuel 7:9 — Meaning and Application

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.

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. {Cease...: Heb. Be not silent from us from crying}

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. {heard: or, answered}

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.

And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until {they came} under Bethcar.