1 Samuel 6-7

“If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods … and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only” (7:3).  The deaths of the corrupted priests and the drama surrounding Israel’s ark (ch 2-5) convinced the Israelites that God was powerful. Now, with the ark back in Israel, Samuel led the people in repentance and sacrifice (7:5-6).  

“So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the LORD only” (7:4).  Real repentance is turning away from wrong desires, thoughts, and behaviors and committing to God with all our hearts.