The singular position of our prophet in relation to the people of God is clearly seen in connection with the spiritual revival and national deliverance so graphically described in 1 Samuel 7.
While the ark was in Kirjath-jearim the people realized little by little the calamity which had befallen them and how disorganized in consequence were all their relations with their God. Ultimately, “all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.” This is truly delightful. Welcome discipline which can produce such a result! They missed God. They felt the distance that now existed between themselves and Him.