And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.
Every year he would travel in a regular route to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, serving as judge over Israel in all these places.
Samuel faithfully traveled to different towns each year to serve as judge and leader for all the people of Israel.
📚 Historical Context
This verse describes Samuel's regular judicial circuit after Israel's victory over the Philistines and their spiritual renewal. During this period (around 1050-1020 BC), Israel had no king, and Samuel served as both prophet and judge, settling disputes and providing spiritual leadership. These three cities - Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah - were strategically located throughout the central hill country and held religious significance for the Israelites.
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