Having been brought from Beth Shemesh the ark was taken to Kiriath Jearim where it remained for 20 years as Israel mourned and sought after the Lord. So Samuel said that if they really meant it they should get rid of their pagan gods, and this they did. Then all Israel assembled at Mizpah under Samuel's leadership and fasted and confessed their sins. When the Philistines got word of Israel's assembly they approached to attack them, and Israel was scared. But Samuel sacrificed a lamb and cried to God, so that great thunder made the Philistines panic and Israel rushed out of Mizpah and routed them! Then Samuel set up a remembrance stone and named it Ebenezer saying 'thus far has the Lord helped us'! Hence the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory again. Thus Samuel continued as judge over Israel all the days of his life.
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