Samuel leads a national spiritual revival, calling Israel to put away foreign gods and return to wholehearted devotion to Yahweh. At a solemn assembly at Mizpah, the people confess their sins through fasting and water pouring—symbolic acts of purification. When the Philistines attack this gathered assembly, God intervenes with thunder that throws the enemy into confusion. Following this victory, Samuel establishes a stone memorial named "Ebenezer" ("stone of help"), acknowledging God's faithfulness. Peace with the Philistines follows, and Samuel establishes a circuit-riding judgeship, traveling between Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah, and his home in Ramah. This chapter demonstrates how genuine repentance and spiritual leadership can transform national fortunes—a pattern that finds ultimate expression in Jesus's call to repentance and the kingdom's transforming power.