Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
Ver. 4. Then the children of Israel did put away, &c.] Their he-gods and their she-gods: so powerful is the word coming upon the rod, when God is pleased by his Spirit to second and set it on. Samuel might speak persuasively, as doubtless he had done for twenty years before, but God only persuadeth the heart.