John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh , etc.] Not knowing it was upon a religious account; but supposing they met to form schemes and measures to cast off their yoke, and deliver themselves out of their hands; and were preparing to take up arms, and fall upon them: the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel ; with forces out of their several principalities united to fight with them; judging it advisable to lose no time, but attack them before they were well prepared and provided to defend themselves: and when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines ; because they were unarmed, and not at all prepared for war, and having no expectation of it.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-12 - The Philistines invaded Israel. When sinners begin to repent an reform, they must expect that Satan will muster all his force agains them, and set his instruments at work to the utmost, to oppose an discourage them. The Israelites earnestly beg Samuel to pray for them Oh what a comfort it is to all believers, that our great Intercesso above never ceases, is never silent! for he always appears in the presence of God for us. Samuel's sacrifice, without his prayer, ha been an empty shadow. God gave a gracious answer. And Samuel erected memorial of this victory, to the glory of God, and to encourage Israel Through successive generations, the church of God has had cause to se up Eben-ezers for renewed deliverances; neither outward persecution nor inward corruptions have prevailed against her, because "hithert the Lord hath helped her:" and he will help, even to the end of the world.
Original Hebrew וישׁמעו8085 פלשׁתים6430 כי3588 התקבצו6908 בני1121 ישׂראל3478 המצפתה4709 ויעלו5927 סרני5633 פלשׁתים6430 אל413 ישׂראל3478 וישׁמעו8085 בני1121 ישׂראל3478 ויראו3372 מפני6440 פלשׁתים׃6430
