The Beginning of Renewal
1 Samuel 7:1–17

Paul J. Bucknell

Renewal does not begin with outward power or improved systems. It begins when divided hearts return wholly to the Lord.

Introduction: The Beginning of Renewal

In 1 Samuel 7, we see the beginning of renewal. Israel had experienced dark years. The ark was captured, the priesthood was judged, and the Philistines oppressed the people. Yet, God had not abandoned His people. Renewal was possible, but it would not start with military strength, political reform, or an improved outward system. It would begin in the heart.

Before examining the passage closely, we should consider how our culture depicts bondage. A public statement about addiction once claimed that addiction should not be seen as a moral failure but only as a chronic illness. Compassion is vital, however, and those caught in destructive habits need genuine help. However, when moral responsibility, God’s standards, and the reality of sin are removed, the explanation also takes away the deepest hope for change that leads to improvement.

If people are convinced that they are merely victims of an illness, they may never know of the choice leading to freedom, by revealing how their choices, desires, loyalties, and false gods hold and waylay them. The Bible provides more than a medical warning for our sins by honestly addressing sin, accountability, slavery, repentance, grace, and freedom. Jesus Christ not only helps us manage bondage; He came to set captives free.

This is why 1 Samuel 7 is so important. The chapter demonstrates how renewal begins. We will examine three movements in the passage: first, the purification of our intentions; second, the humbling of our hearts; and third, the celebration of our freedom.

1. The Purifying of Our Intentions (1 Samuel 7:1–3)

“7:1 And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took the ark of the LORD and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2 And it came about from the day that the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim that the time was long, for it was twenty years; and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. 3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” (NASB unless noted)

The ark was back in Israel, but having a sacred object did not automatically bring spiritual renewal. The ark stayed at Kiriath-jearim for twenty years. That’s a long time. Israel still faced oppression, and only after this long period do we read that all the house of Israel mourned after the Lord.

Three words help us follow the renewal movement: suffering, lamenting, and change. First came suffering—twenty years of Philistine oppression. Then came lamenting—the people began to long after the Lord. Finally, change came—Samuel spoke clearly and told them what a wholehearted return would require.

Impure devotion leads to oppression. Israel desired the Lord, but it also worshipped the Baals and Ashtaroth. The people sought God’s help without giving up their conflicting loyalties. They wanted the blessings of covenant life while holding on to parts of their hearts for other gods. This divided devotion made them weak and enslaved.

This principle extends into our lives. A person might be driven by guilt, hatred, bitterness, lust, desire for power, wealth, or pride. These forms of oppression may look different, but they share one key trait: something other than God has taken control of the heart. The person might say, “I cannot change,” but the deeper truth is that the heart still protects what rules it.

Guilt can control a person who refuses to accept God’s forgiveness or admits to hidden sin. Hatred and bitterness can trap us when we replay injuries and make revenge part of who we are. Lust promises pleasure but teaches the heart to misuse others for their own pleasures. This is the opposite of love. Power promises security but makes control more important than love. Wealth promises safety but requires ongoing trust. Pride makes repentance nearly impossible because the person must always seem right.

This is why Jesus spoke so strongly about freedom. Isaiah proclaimed that the Anointed One would bring good news to the afflicted, heal the brokenhearted, declare liberty to captives, and release prisoners. Jesus applied that promise to His own ministry. He also said, “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” The gospel is a message of true freedom because Christ addresses both the guilt and the power of sin.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners” (Isa 61:1; Lu 4:18).

Four Calls to Action

Return to the Lord with all your heart.

Renewal begins with a change of direction. Israel could not simply feel sad about its condition. Lament had to turn into a return. To return to the Lord means stopping living on our own terms and submitting again to His rule. “With all your heart” rules out a negotiated surrender. God is not asking for a protected space in the house; He is reclaiming the entire house.

Remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth.

The idols had to be removed, not renamed, hidden, or managed. Repentance becomes practical. We identify false confidence, reject its claim, dismiss our trust in it, and step out in faith. Some people want deliverance while keeping easy access to what enslaves them. Samuel leaves no room for that. Whatever competes with God must go.

Direct your hearts to the Lord.

The heart does not stay spiritually neutral. If it is not intentionally focused on the Lord, it drifts toward another center. Directing the heart means focusing our attention, confidence, hopes, and plans on God. It involves prayer, Scripture, worship, and deliberate obedience. We stop letting circumstances, fear, desire, or public opinion guide the soul.

Serve Him alone.

This is the language of loyalty. Israel was to learn fidelity, commitment, and complete trust in God. Serving the Lord alone does not mean we withdraw from all ordinary responsibilities. Instead, it means that every responsibility is brought under one supreme allegiance. We no longer use God to serve other gods. We serve Him.

Samuel attaches a promise to these four calls: “He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” Deliverance is God’s work, but it occurs when the heart is fully committed. The people could not overcome the Philistines while continuing to worship their gods. True freedom required pure intentions.