The Philistines and their god can no longer withstand the presence of the Ark of the Covenant. The description of the Ark’s departure from Philistine territory, along with the conditions for its transport and the payment of restitution, reflects the priestly mindset of Israel. Note that since Chapter 4, the primary focus of the story has been the Ark, which has been moved from place to place, causing major upheaval in enemy territory. The Ark returns to Israel, but the people remain aimless and confused. Then Samuel appears, and his words enlighten the people: “If you return to the Lord with all your heart… he will deliver you from the power of the Philistines” (7:3). Repentance opens the door for the people to walk again with their God. Paul would have preached to them about the need to abandon the old self to embrace the new self (cf. Eph 4:22-24); Jesus would have demanded that they be born again of the Spirit (cf. Jn 3:3-7). The period summarized in 7:15 thus highlights the turn Israel needed to take. How did this opportunity come about, and what kind of life and commitments did it require? The following chapters will clarify this for us.