⁷ The people came to Moses^(A) and said, “We sinned^(B) when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord^(C) will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed^(D) for the people.

⁵ Then Samuel^(A) said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah,^(B) and I will intercede^(C) with the Lord for you.” ⁶ When they had assembled at Mizpah,^(D) they drew water and poured^(E) it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader^[a](F) of Israel at Mizpah.

⁷ When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid^(G) because of the Philistines. ⁸ They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying^(H) out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” ⁹ Then Samuel^(I) took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.^(J)

⁹ God, whom I serve^(A) in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness^(B) how constantly I remember you ¹⁰ in my prayers at all times;^(C) and I pray that now at last by God’s will^(D) the way may be opened for me to come to you.^(E)