Samuel successfully eradicates idolatry throughout the land of Israel. He arranges a massive religious ceremony in Mizpah. The people repent for their sins and bring offerings to God. The Philistines attack Israel. Samuel offers his own sacrifice, cries out to God, and elicits His salvation. The enemy surrenders and retreats. Samuel travels the land from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah and imparts justice on the people. When Samuel eradicates idolatry and the destructive beliefs of his people, miracles occur. The Israelites are redeemed only when their hearts open and they stop focusing on themselves. This new attitude brings them tranquility and the strength necessary to defeat their enemies.
“Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only” (1 Samuel 7:4)
“And they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel” (1 Samuel 7:13)
“And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places” (1 Samuel 7:16)
Unselfishness is seeking to receive for the purpose of sharing; unlike selfishness, which is seeking to receive for our own benefit.
