Definition: And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 7:3. It’s a really important passage about God's plan for Israel’s future. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants to completely free Israel from the oppression and control of the Philistines – the people to the north who were dominating them. He wants them to return to Him, worship Him, and live in peace. Let's unpack it word by word: “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel…” - This means Samuel, a leader of Israel, is speaking to everyone in the country. “…saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you…” – This is the core of the message. "Strange gods" refers to idols or polytheistic practices that weren't part of Israel’s worship. “Ashtaroth” is a specific, ancient Canaanite deity. Samuel is urging them to stop worshipping these foreign deities and return to the one true God. “…and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” – This is the promise of what happens if they do this. "Prepare your hearts" means to turn away from idolatry and focus on God. “Serve him only” means to worship Him completely, without any other gods or idols. "He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines" – This is a big promise! It means that God will protect them from being conquered and dominated by the Philistines. In simpler terms: God wants to give Israel freedom and peace again. He’s telling them to stop worshipping foreign gods and to focus entirely on Him, so he can protect them from being taken over by others. What does this mean for us today? This verse speaks to the long history of Israel's struggles with idolatry and foreign rule. It’s a reminder that true peace and freedom come from a relationship with God, not from relying on other people or powers. It’s about turning away from things that don't center on Him. Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific event or story in biblical history?