Definition: And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 7:6 together. It's a really significant passage about God’s judgment and a shift in how Israel views their relationship with him. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: God is feeling hurt by the Israelites’ behavior. They’ve been messing up and disobeying him, and he’s not happy about it. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And they gathered together to Mizpeh…” – This refers to a gathering of the people in a specific place – likely a temple or a significant location for worship. “…and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD…” – They were taking water, perhaps for rituals or ceremonies, and they were pouring it out . It’s like offering a sacrifice of repentance or acknowledging their wrongdoing. “And fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD.” – This is the core of the verse. The Israelites are fasting, which means they're pausing their activities to reflect on their mistakes. They’re saying aloud, “We have wronged God!” They acknowledge that they’ve broken his rules or principles. “And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.” – This is a key point. Samuel, a leader of Israel, was responsible for overseeing the people and their actions. He judged them – meaning he looked at what happened and made a decision about how to handle it. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse is a sign that God is seriously concerned about Israel's behavior. It’s not just a fleeting moment of regret; it’s a clear statement that they are actively disobeying him and causing problems. It sets the stage for a larger plan where God will ultimately bring about a new relationship with them. In short, it's a story about acknowledging our mistakes to a powerful and judgmental God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific event or story from the Bible? Give you some context on why this passage is important?