MPV Commentary

When the Philistines heard about the national convention at Mizpeh, they realized that the Israelites were organizing a movement to throw off their domination. The Philistines saw this as a threat and made a sudden attack on the Israelites while they were in the midst of their solemn celebration.

The Israelites, caught off guard, begged Samuel to pray for God's intervention to save them from their enemies. Samuel prayed and offered a sacrifice, and God responded with a powerful storm of thunder and lightning that struck fear into the hearts of the Philistines. The attackers became disorganized and fled in panic.

Recognizing God's hand at work, the Israelites rallied and courageously attacked their enemy, inflicting significant damage. This decisive victory gave Israel peace and independence for twenty years, as well as the return of the territory that had been taken from them.

Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpeh and Shen, on an open spot near a prominent rock in the area. A large stone pillar was erected to commemorate their triumph (Leviticus 26:1). The monument bore the name Eben-ezer, which is thought to have been inscribed on its face.