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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 7:17 Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/7-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/09_1Sa_07_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 7:17 - Samuel Subdues the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/7-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/7-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/7-16.htm" title="1 Samuel 7:16">◄</a> 1 Samuel 7:17 <a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm" title="1 Samuel 8:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But he always went back to Ramah, where his home was, and there he also held court for Israel. And he built an altar there to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then he would return to his home at Ramah, and he would hear cases there, too. And Samuel built an altar to the LORD at Ramah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he would return to Ramah, for his home was there, and there also he judged Israel. And he built there an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And his return <i>was</i> to Ramah; for there <i>was</i> his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But he always returned to Ramah, for his home <i>was</i> there. There he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then <i>he would make</i> his return to Ramah, because his house <i>was</i> there, and there he <i>also</i> judged Israel; and there he built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then his return was to Ramah, for his house was there, and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then his return <i>was</i> to Ramah, for his house <i>was</i> there, and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But his return <i>would be</i> to Ramah, for his house <i>was</i> there, and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar to Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then he would return to Ramah, because his home was there; and there he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, he judged Israel there, and he built an altar to the LORD there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, he judged Israel there, and he built an altar to the LORD there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar unto Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then he would go back to his home in Ramah and do the same thing there. He also had an altar built for the LORD at Ramah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar unto the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then he would return home to Ramah. There, too, he judged Israel. And in Ramah he built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then he would go back to his home in Ramah, where also he would serve as judge. In Ramah he built an altar to the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He would return to Ramah because his house was there, and judged Israel from there. He also built an altar to the LORD there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then he would return to Ramah, because his home was there. He also judged Israel there and built an altar to the LORD there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />His return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His return was to Ramah, for his house was there, and he judged Israel there; and he built an altar to Yahweh there. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and his returning [is] to Ramath, for his house [is] there, and he has judged Israel there, and he builds an altar to YHWH there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and his returning is to Ramath, for there is his house, and there he hath judged Israel, and he buildeth there an altar to Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And his turning back to Ramah; for there his house; and there he judged Israel; and he will build an altar there to Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he returned to Ramatha, for there was his house, and there he judged Israel: he built also there an altar to the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he returned to Ramah. For his house was there, and he judged Israel there. And then he built an altar to the Lord there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then he used to return to Ramah, for that was his home. There, too, he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he would come back to Ramah, for his home was there; he administered justice there to Israel, and built there an altar to the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he always returned to Ramtha; for there was his house, and there he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he returned to Ramtha because his house was there, and there he judged Israel and he built an altar there to LORD JEHOVAH <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar unto the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his return was to Armathaim, because there was his house; and there he judged Israel, and built there an altar to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/7-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=1809" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/7.htm">Samuel Subdues the Philistines</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8666.htm" title="8666: ū·ṯə·šu·ḇā·ṯōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A return, answer. Or tshubah; from shuwb; a recurrence; a reply.">Then he would return</a> <a href="/hebrew/7414.htm" title="7414: hā·rā·mā·ṯāh (Art:: N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- Height, the name of several places in Isr. The same as ramah; Ramah, the name of four places in Palestine.">to Ramah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">his home</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">was there,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: wə·šām (Conj-w:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">and there</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: šā·p̄āṭ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To judge, govern. ">he judged</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: way·yi·ḇen- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">and built</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: miz·bê·aḥ (N-ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">an altar</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/21-4.htm">Judges 21:4</a></span><br />The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-3.htm">1 Samuel 1:3</a></span><br />Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-11.htm">1 Samuel 2:11</a></span><br />Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">1 Samuel 8:6</a></span><br />But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-8.htm">1 Samuel 10:8</a></span><br />And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-11.htm">1 Samuel 12:11</a></span><br />So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">1 Samuel 15:11</a></span><br />“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-2.htm">1 Samuel 16:2</a></span><br />“How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-18.htm">2 Samuel 7:18</a></span><br />Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-4.htm">1 Kings 3:4</a></span><br />Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-29.htm">1 Kings 8:29</a></span><br />May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-23.htm">2 Kings 4:23</a></span><br />“Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/16-39.htm">1 Chronicles 16:39</a></span><br />And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/1-3.htm">2 Chronicles 1:3</a></span><br />And Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon because it was the location of God’s Tent of Meeting, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar to the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">his return</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1,19</a></b></br> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name <i>was</i> Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm">1 Samuel 8:4</a></b></br> Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-18.htm">1 Samuel 19:18-23</a></b></br> So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth… </p><p class="hdg">he built</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/11-15.htm">1 Samuel 11:15</a></b></br> And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7,8</a></b></br> And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-20.htm">Genesis 33:20</a></b></br> And he erected there an altar, and called it EleloheIsrael.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Administered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-35.htm">Always</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">Base</a> <a href="/judges/1-26.htm">Buildeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-35.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-10.htm">Home</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-16.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-15.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-16.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-21.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-11.htm">Ramah</a> <a href="/judges/15-17.htm">Ramath</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-8.htm">Returning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">Administered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Always</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">Base</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">Buildeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-25.htm">Home</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-2.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm">Ramah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm">Ramath</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-5.htm">Returning</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/7-1.htm">They of Kiriath Jearim bring the ark to Abinadab, and sanctify Eleazar as guard</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/7-2.htm">After twenty years,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/7-3.htm">the Israelites, by Samuel's means, solemnly repent at Mizpeh</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/7-7.htm">While Samuel prays and sacrifices, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/7-10.htm">the Lord thwarts the Philistines by thunder at Ebenezer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/7-13.htm">The Philistines are subdued</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/7-15.htm">Samuel judges Israel</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then he would return to Ramah</b><br>Ramah was the hometown of Samuel, a significant prophet and judge in Israel. Located in the hill country of Ephraim, Ramah served as a central location for Samuel's ministry. The act of returning to Ramah signifies Samuel's commitment to his roots and his role as a leader who remained connected to his community. Ramah's geographical position made it a strategic location for Samuel's circuit of judging Israel, as it was accessible to many tribes.<p><b>because his home was there</b><br>Samuel's residence in Ramah highlights the importance of having a stable base for his ministry. It underscores the biblical principle of leaders being grounded in their communities. This phrase also reflects the cultural norm of the time, where family and land were integral to one's identity and ministry. Samuel's home in Ramah symbolizes his personal commitment to the people of Israel and his role as a spiritual leader.<p><b>and there he judged Israel</b><br>Samuel's role as a judge involved more than legal decisions; it encompassed spiritual leadership and guidance. As a judge, Samuel was responsible for maintaining justice and righteousness in Israel, a role that was both judicial and prophetic. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of God raising leaders to guide His people, as seen in the Book of Judges. Samuel's judging in Ramah signifies a centralized location for his leadership, where he could address the spiritual and social issues of the nation.<p><b>and built an altar to the LORD</b><br>Building an altar was a significant act of worship and dedication to God. It reflects Samuel's role as a spiritual leader who prioritized worship and obedience to the LORD. This act connects to the patriarchal tradition of building altars, as seen with figures like Abraham and Jacob, symbolizing a place of encounter with God. The altar in Ramah served as a focal point for communal worship and sacrifice, reinforcing the centrality of God in the life of Israel. It also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>A prophet, judge, and leader of Israel who played a crucial role in transitioning Israel from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is known for his dedication to God and his role in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/ramah.htm">Ramah</a></b><br>Samuel's hometown, located in the territory of Benjamin. It served as his base of operations and a place of spiritual leadership where he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judging_israel.htm">Judging Israel</a></b><br>Samuel's role as a judge involved leading, guiding, and making judicial decisions for the people of Israel. His leadership was marked by a return to faithfulness to God and a rejection of idolatry.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/altar_to_the_lord.htm">Altar to the LORD</a></b><br>The altar Samuel built in Ramah was a place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing his commitment to God and serving as a focal point for the spiritual life of the community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithful_leadership.htm">Faithful Leadership</a></b><br>Samuel's consistent return to Ramah and his role as a judge highlight the importance of faithful and consistent leadership rooted in God's guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/centrality_of_worship.htm">Centrality of Worship</a></b><br>The altar Samuel built signifies the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. It serves as a reminder to prioritize worship and maintain a personal and communal relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/home_as_a_spiritual_base.htm">Home as a Spiritual Base</a></b><br>Samuel's return to Ramah underscores the significance of having a spiritual base or home where one can grow in faith and lead others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_god's_call.htm">Commitment to God's Call</a></b><br>Samuel's life exemplifies a commitment to God's call, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their divine assignments despite challenges or changes in societal structures.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_samuel's_leadership.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence confirming Samuel's leadership or the transition he describes in 1 Samuel 12?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_christian_nationalism.htm">What is the significance of Ramah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jeremiah_31_15_forced_in_matthew.htm">Does Jeremiah 31:15 (“Rachel weeping for her children”) align historically with Matthew’s account, or is it a forced connection? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_ramah's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is the significance of Ramah in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Raman.</span>--The same Ramah "of the Watchers" where Elkanah and Hannah had dwelt. After the destruction of Shiloh, Samuel seems to have fixed his abode in his father's city.<p><span class= "bld">And there he built an altar.</span>--Thus following the old custom of the patriarchs. It must be remembered that at this period there was no national sanctuary, no formal seat of worship, where the high priest and his attendant priests and Levites served. The Ark, we know, was in safe keeping in the "city of woods," Kirjath-jearim, but it was in private custody; and we hear of no priests and Levites, of no ritual or religious observances, in connection with the long sojourn of the holy Ark in that place. It is probable that the sacred vessels and furniture had been saved from the destruction of Shiloh by Samuel. These were, very likely, in the prophet-judge's safe keeping at Bamah.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">His return was to Ramah.</span> We have seen that Elkanah was a large landholder there, and Samuel had now apparently succeeded to his father's place. <span class="cmt_word">And there he built an altar unto Jehovah.</span> This old patriarchal custom (<a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a>) long continued, and it was only gradually that local shrines and worship on high places were superseded by attendance upon the temple services at Jerusalem. At this time there was especial need for such altars. The established worship at Shiloh had been swept away, the town destroyed, the priests put to the sword, and the ark, though restored, was resting in a private dwelling. Probably Samuel had saved the sacred vessels, and much even of the tabernacle, but no mention of them is here made. We see, however, both in the erection of this altar and all through Samuel's life, that the Aaronic priesthood was in abeyance, and that he was not only prophet and judge, but also priest. In thus restoring the priesthood in his own person he was justified not merely by his powers as prophet, but by necessity. Gradually, with more prosperous times, matters returned to their regular channel; but even when Ahiah, the grandson of Eli, was with Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">1 Samuel 14:3</a>), he was employed not for the offering of sacrifice, but for divining with the Urim and Thummim. On a most important occasion the offering of sacrifice is spoken of as undoubtedly Samuel's right, and when he delayed his coming no mention is made of a priest, but Saul is said to have offered the victim himself (<a href="/1_samuel/13-9.htm">1 Samuel 13:9</a>). It is plain, therefore, that we must not tie down the priesthood too tightly to the house of Aaron; for throughout there lies in the background the idea of a higher priesthood, and with this Samuel was invested, as being a type of him who is a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedek (comp. <a href="/1_samuel/2-35.htm">1 Samuel 2:35</a>). <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/7-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then he would return</span><br /><span class="heb">וּתְשֻׁבָת֤וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·šu·ḇā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8666.htm">Strong's 8666: </a> </span><span class="str2">A recurrence, a reply</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Ramah</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָמָ֙תָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā·mā·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7414.htm">Strong's 7414: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his home</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּית֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bê·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was there,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and there</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׁ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he judged</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁפָ֣ט</span> <span class="translit">(šā·p̄āṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and built</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּֽבֶן־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·ḇen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an altar</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְבֵּ֖חַ</span> <span class="translit">(miz·bê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> </span><span class="str2">An altar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽיהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/7-17.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 7:17 His return was to Ramah for there (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/7-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 7:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 7:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>