So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more within the border of Israel: and the hand of Yahweh was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
G. B. Caird labeled these verses as "a contradiction"[16] of the fact that there were subsequent occasions when the Philistines invaded Israel, as for example in the times of Saul.  Such opinions are incorrect because the words "all the days of Samuel" are a limitation upon what is meant. "This passage teaches that the victory was only temporary and far from conclusive; and this is implicit in the text itself.  1 Samuel 7:13b shows that the warfare was continuous."[17]  Keil agreed with this,  "1 Samuel 7:13 shows that the Philistines made efforts to recover the cities lost to Israel, but that so long as Samuel lived they were unable to do so."[18] Willis also characterized these verses as, "A panoramic summary of Samuel's lifetime ministry in Israel."[19]