Following the victory over the Philistines, there was no counter-attack and the Israelites were able to enjoy a time of peace from Philistine aggression.1 The Lord was working in history to protect his people from the Philistines.2 This protection would have lasted throughout the time that Samuel was serving as judge over Israel.3
13 So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.