Samuel’s Ministry: In some senses this chapter is interim, signifying the passing of time until the writers come to the next main focus, the beginning of kingship. In chapter 7 we have Samuel’s ministry and his credentials as an appropriate kingmaker established, but we also have the power of God presented in such a way as to indicate the writers’ view that human kingship was unnecessary.

7:2–13a Twenty years pass from the ark’s lodging at Kiriath Jearim to the events at Mizpah, which result from the nation’s turning to the Lord. Even at this stage, Samuel seeks evidence of the sincerity of their repentance. Was it with all your hearts? The people provide evidence in their wholesale setting aside of local deities.

Throughout the OT, God’s help is tied to the recognition of his uniqueness—his…