And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
Evil often springs from good: the Philistines saw Israel's prayer gathering and thought it war, so they struck. But mark this: when sinners repent, Satan musters all his force to oppose and discourage them. Yet God turns their malice to His praise, and the threat comes precisely when Israel can meet it, fresh from making peace with God.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Samuel 7:7-12
And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh,.... Not knowing it was upon a religious account; but supposing they met to form schemes and measures to cast off their yoke, and deliver themselves out of their hands; and were preparing to take up arms, and fall upon them: the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel; with...
WHILE SAMUEL PRAYS, THE PHILISTINES ARE DISCOMFITED. (Sa1 7:7-14) when the Philistines heard, &c.--The character and importance of the national convention at Mizpeh were fully appreciated by the Philistines. They discerned in it the rising spirit of religious patriotism among the Israelites that was prepared to throw off the yoke of their domination.