1 Samuel 7 3

1 Samuel 7:3 kjv

And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 7:3 nkjv

Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, "If you return to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines."

1 Samuel 7:3 niv

So 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."

1 Samuel 7:3 esv

And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."

1 Samuel 7:3 nlt

Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, "If you want to return to the LORD with all your hearts, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Turn your hearts to the LORD and obey him alone; then he will rescue you from the Philistines."

1 Samuel 7 verses

1 Samuel 7 3 Meaning

1 Samuel 7:3 presents a crucial message from Samuel to the entire nation of Israel. It declares that if the people genuinely turn back to the LORD with complete devotion, they must demonstrate this by eliminating all foreign gods and Ashtoreths from their midst, dedicate their innermost being to the LORD, and serve Him alone. In response to this true repentance and exclusive loyalty, the LORD promises to deliver them from the oppressive hand of the Philistines. This verse highlights a conditional covenant renewal, emphasizing that deliverance is contingent upon spiritual reformation and singular worship of God.

1 Samuel 7 3 Context

1 Samuel 7:3 occurs after two decades of significant national distress following the capture and subsequent return of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Sam 7:2). For twenty years, the people of Israel had lamented after the LORD, suggesting a recognition of their spiritual decline and longing for God's favor. This lamentation provides the backdrop for Samuel's authoritative message. As the sole judge and prophet for Israel at this time, Samuel acts as God's spokesperson, guiding the people toward repentance and spiritual renewal. The primary external threat to Israel's peace and autonomy throughout this period was the Philistines, who had militarily dominated them, underscoring the urgency of God's promised deliverance. The verse sets the stage for a critical turning point, leading to the assembly at Mizpah and the subsequent victory over the Philistines, signaling a renewed covenant relationship with God.

1 Samuel 7 3 Word analysis

• Then Samuel spoke: Samuel, a key transitional figure, serving as prophet, priest, and judge. His authority is divinely ordained, making his words God's message.
• to all the house of Israel: Indicates a national address, emphasizing the collective responsibility and covenant relationship. "House of Israel" (beit Yisrael) signifies the entire chosen nation.
• saying, "If you return: Hebrew shuv (שׁוּב), meaning "to turn back," "to repent." This implies a change in direction, a turning away from something (idols) and towards God. It's a fundamental concept of biblical repentance. The "If" establishes a conditionality: divine deliverance is not automatic but contingent upon their action.
• to the LORD: YHWH (יְהֹוָה), the covenant God of Israel. Returning to "the LORD" specifies turning back to the one true God, not a generic deity.
• with all your heart: Hebrew b'khol l'vav'khem (בְּכָל-לְבַבְכֶם). "Heart" (levav) here refers to the core of one's being – mind, will, emotions, conscience. It signifies complete sincerity, undivided devotion, and not merely outward ritual (Deut 6:5; Joel 2:12-13). It is the source of inner spiritual life.
• then put away: Hebrew sur (סוּר), meaning "to remove," "take away," "put an end to." This demands concrete action, an outward demonstration of inner repentance. It’s an active disassociation with what is offensive to God.
• the foreign gods: Hebrew elohim nekhar (אֱלֹהִים נֵכָר). "Foreign gods" refers to any deities worshipped by surrounding nations or within Israel that were not YHWH. They are "alien" or "strange" gods. These represent competing loyalties and spiritual infidelity to the covenant.
• and the Ashtoreths: Hebrew veha'Ashtarot (וְהָעַשְׁתָּרוֹת). Ashtoreth (plural: Ashtoreths/Ashtarot) was a prominent Canaanite goddess, often associated with fertility, war, and sexual rituals. Her worship was a constant temptation and point of spiritual defilement for Israel, frequently mentioned in Judges and Kings as a major deviation from YHWH worship (Judg 2:13, 10:6; 1 Ki 11:5).
• from among you: Indicates that these idols were not just outside Israel but had infiltrated the very fabric of their society and personal lives, making their removal an internal purge.
• and prepare your hearts: Hebrew hakinu et levavkhem (הָכִינוּ אֶת לְבַבְכֶם). Hakinu (root kun) means "to establish," "make ready," "direct firmly." This implies an active, intentional, and ongoing process of focusing one's heart and inner resolve on God, preparing it for service and devotion. It's a proactive spiritual discipline.
• for the LORD: Reinforces the exclusive focus and destination of their prepared heart – specifically YHWH.
• and serve Him only;: Hebrew u'ivduhu l'vadov (וְעִבְדֻהוּ לְבַדּוֹ). Avad (עָבַד) means "to serve," "worship," "labor for." L'vadov (לְבַדּוֹ) means "only He," "Him alone," "exclusively." This is a clear call for monotheism and absolute, undivided allegiance to God, directly opposing the syncretism that plagued Israel. This phrase echoes the first commandment (Ex 20:3) and Deut 6:13.
• and He will deliver you: Hebrew v'yatselekhem (וְיַצֵּל אֶתְכֶם). Natsal (נָצַל) means "to deliver," "rescue," "save." This is the promised outcome, a direct divine intervention, a restoration of their peace and autonomy. The deliverance is by God's action, not their military might.
• from the hand of the Philistines": Identifies the immediate oppressive power and source of their distress. "Hand" represents power, control, and oppression. Their military subjugation by the Philistines was a direct consequence of their spiritual unfaithfulness.

1 Samuel 7 3 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on the "heart" (levav) in this verse—"with all your heart," "prepare your hearts"—is deeply significant. In biblical thought, the heart is not merely the seat of emotions but the center of moral decision-making, intellect, and will. It signifies the whole inner person. Thus, a full return to God means a conversion of the entire inner being, influencing one's desires, thoughts, and choices. This inward transformation then leads to the outward acts of repentance, such as removing foreign gods and serving God exclusively. This holistic approach to repentance (inner conviction, outward action) is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Covenant promise of God putting His law in people's hearts and writing it on their minds (Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10). This passage also serves as a polemic against the pervasive syncretism and polytheism of Israel's surrounding cultures, particularly Canaanite fertility cults, declaring that the God of Israel will tolerate no rivals.

1 Samuel 7 3 Commentary

Samuel's message in 1 Samuel 7:3 encapsulates the core principles of the Israelite covenant: a call to national repentance rooted in complete sincerity, active removal of anything that defiles spiritual purity, and a renewal of exclusive devotion to YHWH. This is not a partial reform but a wholesale spiritual revolution that begins with the "heart" (the inner being) and manifests in outward "action" (removing idols and serving God alone). The verse succinctly teaches that true worship demands exclusivity and active choice. God’s promised deliverance from the Philistine threat is a direct, reciprocal response to this full-hearted obedience and purifying surrender. It underscores the biblical principle that spiritual health directly impacts national well-being and security. This passage serves as a prototype for national revival, emphasizing God's conditional grace tied to His people's repentance and faithfulness.

• Practical Examples:
  • Putting away idols: For a Christian today, this might involve turning away from pursuits (wealth, power, fame) that compete with God for ultimate devotion, or severing ties with activities that lead to sin, rather than physical idols.
  • Preparing your heart: Actively choosing to focus one's thoughts, desires, and intentions on Christ through prayer, Bible study, and intentional communion with God.
  • Serving Him only: Giving time, talents, and resources primarily to God's will and kingdom work, living for His glory alone rather than seeking self-glory or worldly approval.