What does 1 Samuel 3:11 mean?
"¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle." - 1 Samuel 3:11
The Bible verse 1 Samuel 3:11 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle."
This verse comes from the story of Samuel, who was a young boy serving in the tabernacle under the high priest, Eli. It is a pivotal moment in Samuel's life, as it marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry and his call to serve as a leader in Israel.
In this verse, the Lord speaks directly to Samuel, revealing his intention to bring about a significant event in Israel that will cause a great stir among the people. The phrase "tingle" suggests a sense of shock and astonishment, indicating that the news will be so extraordinary that it will have a profound impact on all who hear it.
The context of this verse is set in a time when "the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision" (1 Samuel 3:1). The spiritual condition of the nation of Israel was in decline, and there was a lack of genuine prophetic revelation from God. The priesthood, represented by Eli and his sons, had become corrupt, and the people were drifting away from the ways of the Lord. In the midst of this spiritual darkness, God chooses to speak to Samuel, a young and humble servant, to bring about a transformation in the nation.
This verse is significant in several ways. Firstly, it highlights the sovereignty of God in governing the affairs of nations. The Lord's declaration to Samuel reveals his plans to intervene in the course of Israel's history, demonstrating his authority and power to bring about change according to his purposes.
Secondly, the verse emphasizes the importance of prophetic ministry in the life of the community. The fact that God chooses to communicate his intentions through a prophet indicates the role of prophetic voices in calling people back to God and guiding them in the ways of righteousness.
Furthermore, the use of the phrase "ears...tingle" conveys a sense of urgency and significance to the message that God is about to deliver. It suggests that what is to come will shake the people out of their complacency and compel them to pay attention to the word of the Lord.
In terms of symbolism, the verse represents the idea of divine intervention in human history. God's promise to do "a thing in Israel" signifies his willingness to act on behalf of his people, even in the midst of their spiritual waywardness. It also symbolizes the awakening of the spiritual senses of the people, as the news that God will bring will stir their hearts and minds to take notice of his message and respond in faith and obedience.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 3:11 is a powerful and evocative verse that captures the moment when God announces his intention to bring about a significant event in Israel, through the mouth of the young prophet Samuel. It underscores the sovereignty of God, the importance of prophetic ministry, and the divine intervention in human affairs. It serves as a poignant reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of his people and continues to speak to them in ways that will shake them out of their spiritual lethargy and call them back to himself.
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1 Samuel 3:11 - "¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle."
"¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle." - 1 Samuel 3:11
1 Samuel 3:1-10
2 Samuel 3:11 - "And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him."
1 Chronicles 11:3 - "Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel."
1 Samuel 11:3 - "And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee."
1 Samuel 3:3 - "And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;"
1 Samuel 11:14 - "Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there."
1 Samuel 3:10 - "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
1 Samuel 3:16 - "Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 3:4 - "That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 3:15 - "¶ And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision."
1 Samuel 3:1 - "And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision."
"And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him." - 2 Samuel 3:11
1 Samuel 22:11-13
1 samuel 17:3
1 Samuel 3:19 - "¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground."
1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
2 Samuel 11:3 - "And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?"
1 Samuel 28:11 - "Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Samuel 5: 3-4
1 Samuel 3:7 - "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him."
1 Samuel 12:11 - "And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe."
Matthew 11:3
1 Samuel 11:12 - "¶ And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death."
1 Samuel 31:11 - "¶ And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;"
1 Samuel 6:11 - "And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods."
1 Samuel 4:11 - "And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain."
1 Samuel 17:11 - "When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid."