The words recorded in this verse are likely a summary of the message that Samuel proclaimed during the twenty years of his preaching. He is calling on the people of Israel to show their repentance in action, the same action that was demanded by Jacob in Genesis 35:2–4 and Joshua in Joshua 24:14–15.1 The Lord expected the exclusive worship and allegiance of his people. An expectation that will be repeated by Jesus Christ (see Matthew 10:37–38).
3 And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”