“And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.”
Samuel 3:18 is part of a significant event in the life of Samuel, the prophet of Israel, and his encounter with God’s call. Here’s a breakdown of the verse and its context:
Context:The passage takes place during a time when the word of the Lord was rare and visions were infrequent (1 Samuel 3:1). Samuel was a young boy who served in the Tabernacle under the guidance of Eli, the high priest.
Samuel’s revelation:In this verse, Samuel recounts to Eli the message he received from the Lord. Samuel had heard a voice calling him, but initially, he didn’t recognize that it was God. After Eli instructed him to respond by saying, “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:9), Samuel received a message that contained judgment upon Eli’s household (1 Samuel 3:11-14).
Samuel’s honesty:The first part of the verse says, “And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him.” This indicates Samuel’s integrity and his commitment to faithfully relay the message he received. Despite the gravity of the revelation and its potential impact on Eli and his family, Samuel did not hold back any part of the message.
Submission to God:The second part of the verse states, “And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.” Eli’s response reveals his acceptance of God’s judgment. Despite the heartbreaking nature of the message, Eli acknowledges that it is ultimately the Lord’s decision, and he submits to God’s will. This demonstrates Eli’s recognition of God’s sovereignty and his willingness to accept God’s plan, even if it includes divine discipline.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 3:18:
- Honesty and integrity:Samuel’s example reminds us of the importance of honesty and integrity in our communication. As believers, we should strive to relay God’s truth faithfully, without distorting or withholding any part of His message.
- Submission to God’s will:Eli’s response highlights the significance of submitting to God’s will, even when it involves difficult or challenging circumstances. It teaches us to trust in God’s wisdom and accept His plans, knowing that He is ultimately in control.
- Recognition of God’s sovereignty:Eli’s acknowledgment of God’s authority emphasizes the sovereignty of God over our lives. It encourages us to approach God with reverence, acknowledging His supreme power and authority.
- Acceptance of divine discipline:Eli’s willingness to accept God’s judgment reminds us that discipline is an expression of God’s love. When we face correction or consequences for our actions, it is an opportunity for growth and transformation, drawing us closer to God and molding us into His image.
In summary, 1 Samuel 3:18 teaches us about honesty, submission to God’s will, recognition of His sovereignty, and acceptance of divine discipline. It encourages us to faithfully communicate God’s truth, trust in His plans, and humbly submit ourselves to His authority.
