1 Samuel 7:4
1 Samuel 7:4 in Multiple Translations
So the Israelites put away the Baals and Ashtoreths and served only the LORD.
Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
Then the children of Israel did put away the Baalim and the Ashtaroth, and served Jehovah only.
So the children of Israel gave up the worship of Baal and Astarte, and became worshippers of the Lord only.
The people of Israel got rid of their Baals and Ashtoreth images and worshiped only the Lord.
Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and serued the Lord onely.
And the sons of Israel turn aside the Baalim and Ashtaroth, and serve Jehovah alone;
Then the children of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
Then the children of Israel put away Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
Then the children of Israel put away Baalim and Astaroth, and served the Lord only.
So the Israelis got rid of all their statues of the gods Baal and Astarte, and they worshiped only Yahweh.
So the Israel mob listened to him and threw away all those things, those statues like men called Baal and those other statues like women called Astarti. And they turned back to God and showed respect only to him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 7:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 7:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּסִ֨ירוּ֙
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אֶת
הַ/בְּעָלִ֖ים
וְ/אֶת
הָ/עַשְׁתָּרֹ֑ת
וַ/יַּעַבְד֥וּ
אֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ
וַ/יָּסִ֨ירוּ֙
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/בְּעָלִ֖ים
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Art | N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/עַשְׁתָּרֹ֑ת
ʻAshtârôwth
H6252
Ashtaroth
Art | N-proper
וַ/יַּעַבְד֥וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 7:4
וַ/יָּסִ֨ירוּ֙
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/בְּעָלִ֖ים
Baʻal
H1168
"Baal"
Art | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עַשְׁתָּרֹ֑ת
ʻAshtârôwth
H6252
"Ashtaroth"
Art | N-proper
Ashtaroth refers to a Sidonian deity and a place east of the Jordan, given to Manasseh. It means star and is associated with the city in Bashan. The KJV translates it as Asharoth or Astaroth.
Definition: § Ashtaroth or Astaroth = "star" a city in Bashan east of the Jordan given to Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Asharoth, Astaroth. See also H1045 (בֵּית עַשְׁתָּרוֹת), H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת), H6255 (עַשְׁתְּרֹת קַרְנַיִם). See also: Deuteronomy 1:4; Judges 10:6; 1 Chronicles 6:56.
וַ/יַּעַבְד֥וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 7:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 7:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 7:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 7:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:4
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 7:4
Context — Samuel Subdues the Philistines
2And from that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, as the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim. And all the house of Israel mournfully sought the LORD.
3Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”
4So the Israelites put away the Baals and Ashtoreths and served only the LORD.
5Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.” 6When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 14:8 | O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me. |
| 2 | Hosea 14:3 | Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” |
| 3 | Judges 2:11 | And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 11:33 | For they have forsaken Me to worship Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments, as Solomon’s father David did. |
| 5 | Judges 10:15–16 | “We have sinned,” the Israelites said to the LORD. “Deal with us as You see fit; but please deliver us today!” So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel. |
| 6 | Judges 2:13 | for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. |
1 Samuel 7:4 Summary
[This verse means that the Israelites decided to stop worshiping false gods and instead worship only the one true God, as they were instructed to do in 1 Samuel 7:3. They got rid of their idols and focused on serving the LORD, which is an example for us to follow, as seen in John 14:15. By putting away distractions and idols, we can focus on our relationship with God and live a life that honors Him, as seen in Romans 12:1-2. This is an important step in following God and living a life that is pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Baals and Ashtoreths that the Israelites put away?
The Baals and Ashtoreths were foreign gods and idols that the Israelites had been worshiping, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 12:3 and Judges 2:10, but they decided to put them away and serve only the LORD as instructed by Samuel in 1 Samuel 7:3.
Why was it important for the Israelites to serve only the LORD?
Serving only the LORD was important because it showed that the Israelites were committed to following God's commands and trusting in His power, as seen in Exodus 20:3 and Deuteronomy 6:13, and it was a key part of their covenant with Him.
How does this verse relate to the idea of repentance?
This verse shows that the Israelites repented of their idolatry and turned back to the LORD, which is an important step in the process of repentance, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:3 and also in Luke 15:11-24 where the prodigal son returns to his father.
What can we learn from the Israelites' decision to put away their idols?
We can learn that putting away idols and distractions is an important part of following God and that it allows us to focus on our relationship with Him, as seen in Matthew 22:37 and 1 John 5:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'idols' in my life that I need to put away in order to serve the LORD more fully?
- How can I demonstrate my commitment to serving only the LORD in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can prepare my heart to serve the LORD, as Samuel instructed the Israelites in 1 Samuel 7:3?
- How does serving only the LORD impact my relationships with others and my community?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 7:4
Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth,.... Both their male and female deities, of which see Jude 2:13 and served the Lord Only; Dr.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 7:4
Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:4
1 Samuel 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.Ver. 4. Then the children of Israel did put away, &c.] Their he-gods and their she-gods: so powerful is the word coming upon the rod, when God is pleased by his Spirit to second and set it on. Samuel might speak persuasively, as doubtless he had done for twenty years before, but God only persuadeth the heart.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:4
(4) Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth.—The answer of the people showed how well and thoroughly the prophet-statesman had done his Master’s work. Through the land of Israel the graven images of the Phœnician idols were thrown down, and their impious worship everywhere was boldly dishonoured, and once more, in bold defiance of the idol-worshipping Philistines, the Invisible and Eternal was throughout the land acknowledged as the one God. These acts, of course, were an open act of rebellion against that warlike people who for so long had ruled them with an iron rule.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:4
Verse 4. Put away Baalim and Ashtaroth] These were not two particular deities, but two genera of idols; the one masculine, BAALIM; the other feminine, ASHTAROTH; both the words are in the plural number, and signify all their gods and goddesses.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:4
4. Baalim and Ashtaroth — Male and female deities of several of the neighbouring nations, especially of the Zidonians. See on Judges 2:11-13. Israel repeatedly fell into the worship of these idol gods.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 7:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) God Blesses When We Get Right by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on our feelings, whether they are good or bad. The Israelites made the mistake of trusting in their feelings in |
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Walk in God's Way by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories about individuals seeking guidance from God. The first story is about a young man praying to find his future wife, and after flippin |
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The Comforting Rod by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the comforting aspects of God's rod and staff as highlighted in Psalms 23:4. He explains that God's rod can be seen as a destroying rod upon His enemies, |
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The Sure Afterward by Frances Ridley Havergal | Frances Ridley Havergal delves into the promise of peaceable fruit that comes after enduring chastening from the Lord, emphasizing that even the smallest troubles we face daily are |
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A Secret Virtue and Power by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of private communion with God, illustrating how such intimacy leads to a profound hatred for sin and idolatry. He argues that true |
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What Have I to Do With Idols? by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of Ephraim in the book of Hosea, highlighting how despite all reproof and chastisement, Ephraim remained joined to idols until he heard |
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Jesus and Idols? by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches about the prevalent issue of idolatry among modern-day Christians, emphasizing that idolatry goes beyond physical objects to include the worship of self and c |