Shmuel I Chapter 7 | Shmuel Leads Israel to Victory

Following the mistakes made while leading the battle in Chapter 4 and the misuse of the Ark, Chapter 7 describes a correction. Shmuel, the prophet who inherits leadership from Eli’s house, calls the people to renounce foreign gods and prepare their hearts: “direct your hearts toward the Lord” (7:3). He then gathers the people for a day of fasting and repentance.

Shmuel’s actions bear fruit. When the Philistines rise to attack, the Israelites are fearful – “And when the Israelites heard, they were frightened of the Philistines” (7:7) – but rather than turning to the Ark, they pray, realizing only God can save them: “And the Israelites said to Shmuel: ‘Do not be deaf and dumb to us, not crying out to the Lord our God – let Him save us from the hand of the Philistines” (7:8). Indeed, God delivers Israel and drives the Philistines away.

Following the victory, Shmuel sets up a stone as a memorial to God’s salvation. Shmuel not only prepares Israel properly for battle but also establishes a lasting legacy to remind the people of God’s protection. In doing so, Shmuel mirrors Yehoshua: both call the people to abandon foreign gods (Yehoshua 24:23) and both erect a memorial stone to honor God’s salvation (Yehoshua 4:7). It seems that no leader with such depth and commitment to Israel’s spirituality has arisen for the people of Israel since the time of Yehoshua.

Rav Amnon Bazak discusses whether and how Shmuel's leadership in this chapter addresses the flaws of Eli's era.