It was the nearest town to Beth-shemesh and stood on a hill. This was the reason of the message (1 Sa 6:21), and why this was chosen for the convenience of people turning their faces to the ark (1 Ki 8:29–35; Ps 28:2; Da 6:10).

6:21 Kiriath Jearim A nearby city located northeast of Beth-shemesh.

7:1 they brought it to the house of Abinadab The Israelites do not return the ark to Shiloh, suggesting that the city had been destroyed (see note on 1 Sam 14:13)

Eleazer His name (common among priests during this period) and the fact that he was not killed in his caretaking duties suggest that Eleazar was a Levite

7:2 mourned after Yahweh The exact meaning of the Hebrew phrase used here is uncertain; the Israelites may have repented or returned to God while lamenting for their sin (compare v. 3).

7:3–17 The narrative reintroduces Samuel, signaling a positive change for Israel. This passage establishes the background for Samuel’s career as a prophet, priest, and judge.

7:3 If with all your heart you are turning to Yahweh Supports the view that the Israelites repented in v. 2. Compare Deut 30:8–10; Josh 22:5; Josh 24:23.

1 Sa 7:3–6. THE ISRAELITES, THROUGH SAMUEL’S INFLUENCE, SOLEMNLY REPENT AT MIZPEH.

remove the foreign gods The period of the judges was characterized by spiritual defection and idolatry (e.g., Judg 2:12–13; 3:7; 8:33–34; 10:6–13).

Ashtoreths Refers to idols of the Canaanite fertility goddess Ashtoreth (also known as Astarte). Some Israelites may have worshiped her along with Yahweh as His wife or consort. If so, Samuel is attempting to correct this practice

3. Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel—A great national reformation was effected through the influence of Samuel. Disgusted with their foreign servitude, and panting for the restoration of liberty and independence, they were open to salutary impressions; and convinced of their errors, they renounced idolatry. The re-establishment of the faith of their fathers was inaugurated at a great public meeting, held at Mizpeh in Judah, and hallowed by the observance of impressive religious solemnities. The drawing water, and pouring it out before the Lord, seems to have been a symbolical act by which, in the people’s name, Samuel testified their sense of national corruption, their need of that moral purification of which water is the emblem, and their sincere desire to pour out their hearts in repentance before God.