1 Samuel 7:15-17 (CEB)
Samuel served as Israel’s judge his whole life. Each year he traveled between Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, serving as Israel’s judge in each of those locations. Then he would return to Ramah because that’s where his home was. In Ramah too he served as Israel’s judge, and that is also where he built an altar to the LORD.
Bethel means House of God.
Gilgal means the reproach of Egypt being removed by the act of mass circumcision or circle of standing stones.
Mizpah means watch-tower; the look-out.
Ramah means the height or high place of God.
O Lord,
Would that the praise of my lips create a throne for You and the circumcision of my heart allow me to draw nearer to You, that I may gaze upon Your holiness and enter Your presence. Amen.
