Even in the middle of uncertainty, God’s message always demands a full and honest response.
Eli, the high priest of Israel who served during the period of the judges (around 1100 BC), urgently requests that Samuel share with him every detail entrusted by the Lord. As the text explains, “He said, ‘What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you!’” (v.17). In this moment, Eli demonstrates recognition of the gravity of God’s message, and he wants to ensure that no part of the divine revelation remains concealed. This request occurs in Shiloh, the religious center of Israel at the time. Shiloh was located in the central highlands north of Bethel, serving as the main place of worship since the days of Joshua.
By insisting, “Please do not hide it from me” (v.17), Eli shows humility and a sense of responsibility for whatever word had been given by the Lord. He is prepared to receive the full truth, even though it might be painful or harsh. Historically, Eli served as both a priest and judge in Israel before the monarchy was established under Saul around 1050 BC. The verse contains a formal warning, “May God do so to you, and more also,” which was a common expression in ancient Israel to pronounce a serious oath-like declaration. It underscores just how critical and sacred this revelation from God truly was.
We can look forward to the role of Samuel, who would eventually become a leading prophet and anointer of kings (1 Samuel 10:1). In the light of the New Testament, the importance of listening to God’s voice and disclosing His full counsel can be connected to how Jesus consistently revealed the Father’s will, never holding back the truth from those He instructed (John 8:26). While Samuel’s calling foreshadows a new era of God’s guidance, Eli’s urgent plea highlights our need to respond openly and fearlessly to anything the Lord reveals.
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1 Samuel 3:17 meaning
Eli, the high priest of Israel who served during the period of the judges (around 1100 BC), urgently requests that Samuel share with him every detail entrusted by the Lord. As the text explains, “He said, ‘What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you!’” (v.17). In this moment, Eli demonstrates recognition of the gravity of God’s message, and he wants to ensure that no part of the divine revelation remains concealed. This request occurs in Shiloh, the religious center of Israel at the time. Shiloh was located in the central highlands north of Bethel, serving as the main place of worship since the days of Joshua.
By insisting, “Please do not hide it from me” (v.17), Eli shows humility and a sense of responsibility for whatever word had been given by the Lord. He is prepared to receive the full truth, even though it might be painful or harsh. Historically, Eli served as both a priest and judge in Israel before the monarchy was established under Saul around 1050 BC. The verse contains a formal warning, “May God do so to you, and more also,” which was a common expression in ancient Israel to pronounce a serious oath-like declaration. It underscores just how critical and sacred this revelation from God truly was.
We can look forward to the role of Samuel, who would eventually become a leading prophet and anointer of kings (1 Samuel 10:1). In the light of the New Testament, the importance of listening to God’s voice and disclosing His full counsel can be connected to how Jesus consistently revealed the Father’s will, never holding back the truth from those He instructed (John 8:26). While Samuel’s calling foreshadows a new era of God’s guidance, Eli’s urgent plea highlights our need to respond openly and fearlessly to anything the Lord reveals.