And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

1 SAMUEL 7:6KJV
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1 Samuel 7:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 7:6 mean?

1 Samuel 7:6 describes the Israelites gathering at Mizpeh, pouring out water before the LORD, fasting, confessing their sin, and Samuel judging them there. This verse shows the people’s public repentance and Samuel’s role as their leader during a time of spiritual renewal.

Samuel is leading the Israelites in a communal act of turning back to God after a period of trouble and idolatry. The people pour out water (a symbolic act), fast, and openly admit their wrongdoing against the LORD, while Samuel acts as judge, guiding them through this process at Mizpeh.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 7:6

  • מִצְפֶּה (Mizpeh, transliterated "Mitzpeh") means "watchtower" or "lookout." The location is important as a gathering place for significant events in Israel’s history.
  • שָׁפַט (judged, transliterated "shafat") means to govern, decide, or lead. Here, it shows Samuel’s role in guiding the people not just legally but also spiritually.
  • חָטָאנוּ (sinned, transliterated "chatanu") means to miss the mark or do wrong. The people’s confession is direct and collective, emphasizing their shared responsibility.

Why 1 Samuel 7:6 matters

  • 1 Samuel 7:6 highlights a moment of national repentance, showing that the Israelites recognized their need to return to God after turning away.
  • The act of pouring out water is unusual and often understood as a symbol of humility or sorrow, underscoring the seriousness of their confession.
  • This verse sets the stage for Samuel’s leadership and the spiritual renewal that follows, connecting to the broader story of Israel’s relationship with God and their need for faithful guidance.

Where else these words appear

“Mizpeh” Hebrew H4708 · used in 14 verses

  • Joshua 11:8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.
  • 1 Samuel 7:5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 40:6 Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land.

“fasted” Hebrew H6684 · used in 17 verses

  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
  • 2 Samuel 12:22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
  • Nehemiah 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

“drew” Hebrew H7579 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 24:11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.
  • Genesis 24:44 And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son.
  • Ruth 2:9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

“Mizpeh” Hebrew H4709 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • 1 Samuel 7:11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
  • Nehemiah 3:19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.