1 Samuel 7:6
And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
Israel had remained under the power of the Philistines for twenty years until they were greatly humbled. Samuel, even in his youth and early in his work as judge, called Israel together and bore solemn testimony from God, summoning them to fasting and prayer and deep humiliation before God. They gathered at Mizpeh for a solemn fast, humbling themselves, repenting of their sins, and confessing, We have sinned against the Lord. Their appointing Samuel as judge showed their determination to obey the instructions they had heard.
The gathering taught the people where their strength lay. They entreated Samuel to cease not to cry to God for them, and Samuel interceded for them so that God was merciful to them again. When their enemies were aroused to meet them in battle and the Philistines made war with them, God heard prayer in their behalf and worked in a miraculous manner for them, so that victory turned to the side of Israel and they overcame their enemies.