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
In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, Samuel served as a judge and prophet during a period when Israel was transitioning from tribal leadership to a more centralized authority, following their repentance and victory over the Philistines. He made an annual circuit to key locations like Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpeh to hold court, settle disputes, and lead the people in worship, as these sites were important centers of religious and communal gatherings in ancient Israel. This practice reflected the decentralized nature of justice in that era, ensuring God's law reached remote areas.
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