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1 The men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD and brought it into the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2 It happened, from the day that the ark stayed in Kiriath Jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. 3 Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, |If you do return to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, and direct your hearts to the LORD, and serve him only; and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.| 4 Then the children of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. 5 Samuel said, |Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray for you to the LORD.| 6 They gathered together to Mizpah, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said, |We have sinned against the LORD.| Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah. 7 When the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 The children of Israel said to Samuel, |Do not cease to cry to the LORD your God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.| 9 Samuel took a suckling lamb, and offered it for a whole burnt offering to the LORD: and Samuel cried to the LORD for Israel; and the LORD answered him. 1 Samuel 7:1-9, New Heart English Bible. Public domain.
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