1 Samuel 7:6

and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord A symbolical act which has no exact parallel in the O.T., but was probably significant of the outpouring of their hearts before Jehovah in penitence and supplication. Cp. ch. 1 Samuel 1:15; Psalms 62:8; Lamentations 2:19. The paraphrase of the Targum is, "And they poured out their heart in repentance before Jehovah."

and fasted on that day As on the great day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:9), in token of humiliation and contrition for their sin.

We have sinned against the Lord They made a public confession. Cp. Judges 10:10.

And Samuel judged, &c. As prophethe effected the religions reformation, and then taking his place as the chief magistrateof the state, he provided for the civil and political reorganization of the people. That the assembly lasted some time is clear from 1 Samuel 7:7. The Philistines had time to muster their army before it dispersed.