(5) And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. (6) And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
There is somewhat very interesting in this account, because here we see Samuel as the type of Jesus in his mediatorial character as the intercessor. Oh! how sweet and refreshing it is to view even the most distant shadows of him whose glorious office as the advocate and intercessor, is the sure hope and confidence of his people in all ages! Psalms 110:4. The ceremony of pouring out water before the Lord, probably carried with it the idea of real sorrow and weeping of the soul by reason of transgression.