God’s Word calls each of us to respond in faith and obedience even when we face difficult truths.
In this passage, the prophet Samuel has just received a troubling message of judgment from God concerning Eli’s household. Scripture says, “So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, ‘It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him.’” (v.18) This takes place in ancient Shiloh, situated in the central hill country of Ephraim, where the tabernacle stood in the era of the Judges (circa 1400 B.C. to 1050 B.C.). Eli, an aging priest and judge over Israel for several decades (likely around 1100 B.C.), recognizes that Samuel’s words come from the very God who had been silent for some time, and believes that the Lord’s will must be accepted, even when it brings severe consequences.
Eli’s response, “It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him,” (v.18) demonstrates humble submission to divine authority. Historically, this moment marks a significant transition, as young Samuel grows into the role of God’s prophet who will guide Israel away from the final chapters of the Judges period and lead them toward the establishment of the monarchy around 1050 B.C. (1 Samuel 8). Viewed through the broader biblical context, Eli’s acceptance of God’s sovereign plan resonates with later teachings that remind believers to trust God’s higher purposes (Romans 8:28). Even though the message is harsh—foretelling the downfall of Eli’s family—both Eli and Samuel acknowledge the righteousness of the One who speaks.
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1 Samuel 3:18 meaning
In this passage, the prophet Samuel has just received a troubling message of judgment from God concerning Eli’s household. Scripture says, “So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, ‘It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him.’” (v.18) This takes place in ancient Shiloh, situated in the central hill country of Ephraim, where the tabernacle stood in the era of the Judges (circa 1400 B.C. to 1050 B.C.). Eli, an aging priest and judge over Israel for several decades (likely around 1100 B.C.), recognizes that Samuel’s words come from the very God who had been silent for some time, and believes that the Lord’s will must be accepted, even when it brings severe consequences.
Eli’s response, “It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him,” (v.18) demonstrates humble submission to divine authority. Historically, this moment marks a significant transition, as young Samuel grows into the role of God’s prophet who will guide Israel away from the final chapters of the Judges period and lead them toward the establishment of the monarchy around 1050 B.C. (1 Samuel 8). Viewed through the broader biblical context, Eli’s acceptance of God’s sovereign plan resonates with later teachings that remind believers to trust God’s higher purposes (Romans 8:28). Even though the message is harsh—foretelling the downfall of Eli’s family—both Eli and Samuel acknowledge the righteousness of the One who speaks.