I Samuel 5-7

"And when the sons of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines" (7:7). What a different atmosphere! Under the leadership of Hophni and Phineaus (now dead), Israel had gone out confidently with the ark of God. Defeat and humiliation resulted. Now, Israel was chastised and humble; they had no confidence in themselves. Under Samuel's leadership, they put away their idols and fasted (7:3-6), and they knew only God could save them from their enemies.

Israel's fear drove them to seek God as their refuge and strength. They remembered that they were God's people, dependent on Him for everything.