1 samuel 3:11 - Yahweh said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 3:11

What does "1 samuel 3:11" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 3:11 is a dramatic and foreboding pronouncement. Let's break down what it means:

"Yahweh said to Samuel": This establishes that the message is coming directly from God to Samuel, who is still a young apprentice to the priest Eli. This emphasizes the authority and importance of the upcoming event.

"Behold, I will do a thing in Israel": This signals a significant and impactful event that God is about to enact within the nation of Israel. The word "thing" (or "something") suggests something substantial and transformative.

"at which both the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle": This is the key part, and it conveys the shock, horror, and disbelief the news will cause.

"Ears...tingle": This isn't just about hearing the news; it's about the physical and emotional reaction. "Tingle" suggests a sharp, unpleasant sensation, like the body's reaction to something deeply disturbing or frightening. It indicates the shocking and unsettling nature of the event. It will catch people's attention and make them feel uncomfortable.

In essence, the verse predicts that God will take action in Israel, and the news of this action will be so shocking, dreadful, and impactful that it will cause widespread distress and disbelief.

What was the event?

In the context of the following verses (1 Samuel 3:12-14), the "thing" that God will do refers to the impending judgment on Eli and his family. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were wicked priests who were corrupting the temple practices and dishonoring God. Eli knew of their sins but failed to adequately discipline them. As a result, God would punish them and their household.

Therefore, this verse is a prophetic warning about the divine judgment that is about to befall Eli's family and, by extension, have a major impact on Israel.

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