This verse is from 1 Samuel 3:17 and it describes a moment where Eli, the high priest, is confronting Samuel, a young boy who has been hearing God's voice. Let's break it down:
"He said, 'What is the thing that he has spoken to you?'": Eli is demanding to know the message that God revealed to Samuel. He's essentially ordering Samuel to tell him what God said.
"Please don't hide it from me.": Eli is pleading with Samuel to be honest and not withhold any part of the message. There's an implied power dynamic here - Eli is older and the religious leader.
"God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that he spoke to you.": This is the key to understanding the verse's gravity. It's a powerful oath or curse. Eli is invoking God to severely punish Samuel if he lies or holds back any part of God's message. "God do so to you, and more also" is a common formula for an oath in the Old Testament, signifying a desire for divine retribution.
In essence, Eli is saying:
> "Tell me everything God told you, and don't leave anything out. If you lie to me or withhold any part of the message, may God punish you severely."
Significance:
Eli's Authority and Concern: This verse demonstrates Eli's authority as the high priest and his deep concern about the message Samuel received. He understands the importance of divine communication.
Samuel's Obedience: This verse sets the stage for Samuel's obedience and trustworthiness as a prophet. He will ultimately reveal the message to Eli, even though it contains a harsh prophecy about Eli's family.
The Importance of God's Word: The severity of the oath underscores the importance of God's word and the consequences of disobeying or distorting it. Eli is determined to hear the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.
foreshadowing judgment: The harshness of the oath foreshadows the harsh message that Samuel will reveal about the judgment that God is going to bring to Eli and his sons due to their wickedness.
This verse is from 1 Samuel 3:17 and it describes a moment where Eli, the high priest, is confronting Samuel, a young boy who has been hearing God's voice. Let's break it down:
"He said, 'What is the thing that he has spoken to you?'": Eli is demanding to know the message that God revealed to Samuel. He's essentially ordering Samuel to tell him what God said.
"Please don't hide it from me.": Eli is pleading with Samuel to be honest and not withhold any part of the message. There's an implied power dynamic here - Eli is older and the religious leader.
"God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that he spoke to you.": This is the key to understanding the verse's gravity. It's a powerful oath or curse. Eli is invoking God to severely punish Samuel if he lies or holds back any part of God's message. "God do so to you, and more also" is a common formula for an oath in the Old Testament, signifying a desire for divine retribution.
In essence, Eli is saying:
> "Tell me everything God told you, and don't leave anything out. If you lie to me or withhold any part of the message, may God punish you severely."
Significance:
Eli's Authority and Concern: This verse demonstrates Eli's authority as the high priest and his deep concern about the message Samuel received. He understands the importance of divine communication.
Samuel's Obedience: This verse sets the stage for Samuel's obedience and trustworthiness as a prophet. He will ultimately reveal the message to Eli, even though it contains a harsh prophecy about Eli's family.
The Importance of God's Word: The severity of the oath underscores the importance of God's word and the consequences of disobeying or distorting it. Eli is determined to hear the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.
foreshadowing judgment: The harshness of the oath foreshadows the harsh message that Samuel will reveal about the judgment that God is going to bring to Eli and his sons due to their wickedness.