God once again dwelled among His people at Shiloh, and through Samuel, His word remained a guiding light for the nation.
“And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.” (v.21) In the days prior to Israel’s monarchy, Shiloh was a significant religious center where the tabernacle of God remained from about 1350-1100 BC, until it was destroyed and the ark of the covenant was taken by the Philistines. This verse emphasizes that God’s direct presence and revelation did not cease after initially calling Samuel; rather, the LORD continued to manifest Himself “again at Shiloh.” It shows that Shiloh, located in the territory of Ephraim, had become the focal point of divine communication.
The latter portion of the verse states that “the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD” (v.21). This firmly establishes Samuel’s role as a prophet, one who would bring God’s instructions to Israel at a time of spiritual transition and need. The “word of the LORD” is the instrument through which God made Himself known, implying that Samuel’s ministry was anchored in divine truth rather than human speculation. By repeatedly encountering the LORD at Shiloh, Samuel was equipped and affirmed in his calling to guide and judge Israel in the midst of uncertain times.
Israel, still largely living under judges, looked to Samuel as a spiritual leader who heard from God in the house of worship. Although the ark and tabernacle would soon face upheaval around this era, God’s faithfulness remained unshaken, and His revelation through Samuel ensured that His covenant people had a prophetic voice of guidance and warning.
The LORD’s continued appearance at Shiloh confirmed Samuel’s role as God’s chosen prophet and set the groundwork for Israel’s transition into a kingdom under Saul and David.
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1 Samuel 3:21 meaning
“And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.” (v.21) In the days prior to Israel’s monarchy, Shiloh was a significant religious center where the tabernacle of God remained from about 1350-1100 BC, until it was destroyed and the ark of the covenant was taken by the Philistines. This verse emphasizes that God’s direct presence and revelation did not cease after initially calling Samuel; rather, the LORD continued to manifest Himself “again at Shiloh.” It shows that Shiloh, located in the territory of Ephraim, had become the focal point of divine communication.
The latter portion of the verse states that “the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD” (v.21). This firmly establishes Samuel’s role as a prophet, one who would bring God’s instructions to Israel at a time of spiritual transition and need. The “word of the LORD” is the instrument through which God made Himself known, implying that Samuel’s ministry was anchored in divine truth rather than human speculation. By repeatedly encountering the LORD at Shiloh, Samuel was equipped and affirmed in his calling to guide and judge Israel in the midst of uncertain times.
Israel, still largely living under judges, looked to Samuel as a spiritual leader who heard from God in the house of worship. Although the ark and tabernacle would soon face upheaval around this era, God’s faithfulness remained unshaken, and His revelation through Samuel ensured that His covenant people had a prophetic voice of guidance and warning.
The LORD’s continued appearance at Shiloh confirmed Samuel’s role as God’s chosen prophet and set the groundwork for Israel’s transition into a kingdom under Saul and David.