A period of profound spiritual transformation swept through the Israelites following the return of the Ark of the Covenant from Philistine territory. Emerging from a time of national crisis and widespread idolatry, the people began a steady journey toward spiritual awakening and repentance. This shift in the national consciousness took several forms. For many, it was a time of deep mourning and weeping, as the people felt profound regret for their past wrongdoings and idol worship [רש"י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, רד"ק]. At the same time, this awakening was characterized by a natural, almost magnetic pull back toward serving God [רש"י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Ultimately, it became a unifying force, bringing the entire nation together in a collective assembly to serve God alone [רש"י, רד"ק].
Several powerful factors drove this return to faith. The Israelites had witnessed the extraordinary miracles associated with the Ark while it was held by the Philistines. Coupled with the tragic downfall of the house of Eli during the war, these events served as a clear sign of God's supreme authority, prompting deep remorse among the people [רש"י, מלבי"ם, רלב"ג, רד"ק, אברבנאל]. Furthermore, the Ark's prolonged stay in Kiriath-jearim [מצודת ציון] had a profound spiritual impact. Its very presence radiated purity and holiness, inspiring the people to correct their ways [אלשיך].
Alongside these divine signs, the prophet Samuel played a crucial, active role in guiding the nation. He traveled from city to city, judging the people, offering reproof, and urging them to repent. His efforts culminated in a great gathering at Mizpah, where the Israelites fasted, wept, and worked to repair their relationships both with God and with their fellow man [רש"י, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רלב"ג, אלשיך].
The exact timeline of this spiritual return remains a subject of discussion, particularly regarding the twenty years the Ark spent in Kiriath-jearim. The primary approach among commentators is that the people's repentance began immediately upon the Ark's arrival. According to this view, the Israelites maintained their devotion and mourning throughout the entire twenty-year period, remaining steadfast even as eras and leaders changed, until King David eventually relocated the Ark [מלבי"ם, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל בשם חז"ל]. Conversely, another perspective views this timeframe more critically. This approach suggests that despite witnessing great miracles, the people did not repent right away. Instead, it was only after twenty long years of the Ark residing in Kiriath-jearim that the Israelites finally awoke from their spiritual slumber, regretted their actions, and returned to God [אברבנאל, רלב"ג].