The people of Israel mourned and sought after the Lord. Samuel said if they were really willing to serve the Lord, then they had to put away their idols, which they gladly did. Then Samuel said for them to assemble at Mizpah and he was going to pray for them. They fasted and poured water for the Lord. When the philistines heard where they were and what they were doing, they attacked. The Israelites heard and said to Samuel: "Do not stop praying for us!" They must have been awful scared. I mean, they just put away their idols, and who knows the Lord's still gonna fight with them, I would be scared! Samuel sent a burnt offering to the Lord and cried out on Israels behalf, and the Lord answered him. As the Philistines were about to engage in battle, God sent a thunder storm upon them and they fled. The Israelites pursued them and slaughtered some of them. God is so creative. He sends so many different punishments to different people.