1. The men of Kiriath Jearim came, and took the Lord’s ark, and brought it into Abinadab’s house on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the Lord’s ark.
2. From the day that the ark stayed in Kiriath Jearim, the time was long; for it was twenty years; and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.
3. Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from amongst you, and direct your hearts to the Lord, and serve him only; and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
4. Then the children of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only.
5. Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.”