With the co-operation of the heads of the tribes, a large assembly was gathered at Mizpeh. Here a solemn fast was held. With deep humiliation the people confessed their sins; and as an evidence of their determination to obey the instructions they had heard, they invested Samuel with the authority of judge. The Philistines interpreted this gathering to be a council of war, and with a strong force set out to disperse the Israelites before their plans could be matured. The tidings of their approach caused great terror in Israel. The people entreated Samuel, "Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that He will save us out of the hand of the Philistines."

Hele Israel havde lært, at arken skulle betragtes med ærbødighed. Levitterne måtte ikke engang se på den, når den blev flyttet. Ypperstepræsten fik kun lov at se Guds ark een gang om året. Selv de hedenske filistre havde ikke vovet at fjerne tæpperne uden om den. Usynlige engle fra Himmelen ledsagede den på alle dens rejser. Bet-Sjemesjs befolkning blev omgående straffet for deres dristighed og mangel på ærbødighed. Mange blev pludselig dræbt.