1 Samuel 3:11

KJV

¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} to Samuel {H8050}, Behold, I will do {H6213} a thing {H1697} in Israel {H3478}, at which both {H8147} the ears {H241} of every one that heareth {H8085} it shall tingle {H6750}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Sh'mu'el, "Look! I am going to do something in Isra'el that will make both ears of everyone who hears about it tingle.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 3:11, the LORD delivers a profoundly solemn and shocking prophecy to young Samuel, declaring His intent to execute a judgment in Israel so severe and unforgettable that "both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle." This pivotal moment not only unveils God's unwavering commitment to justice against the corrupt house of Eli but also decisively establishes Samuel as God's chosen prophet, marking a significant transition in divine revelation and leadership within Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate, weighty content of God's first direct message to Samuel after the young boy learns to discern the divine voice from Eli's. The preceding verses in [1 Samuel 3:1-10](/1_samuel/3-1 "Samuel's Call") meticulously detail God's repeated calls to Samuel, who initially mistakes them for Eli. It is only after Eli's guidance that Samuel responds with humble obedience, "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth." This readiness to listen is met with a terrifying revelation, the fulfillment of a prior prophecy against Eli's house detailed in [1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27-36 "Prophecy Against Eli's House"), which condemned Eli's passive leadership and his sons' egregious wickedness. Thus, [1 Samuel 3:11](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11 - God's Judgment on Eli's House") serves as the divine confirmation and specific pronouncement of the impending judgment, delivered through a new, pure vessel, marking Samuel's initiation into prophetic ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Samuel 3](/1_samuel/3 "Samuel's Call and Prophecy") unfold during the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time characterized by spiritual decline, moral decay, and a lack of central leadership, as famously summarized in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes"). The high priesthood, represented by Eli at Shiloh, the location of the tabernacle, was meant to be the spiritual beacon for Israel. However, Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, had brought the priesthood into disrepute through their blatant disregard for God's law and their exploitation of the sacrificial system ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12-17 "The Sins of Eli's Sons")). Eli's failure to restrain them effectively compromised the spiritual integrity of the nation. God's direct intervention through Samuel signals a divine re-establishment of true prophetic authority and a shift away from a corrupt priestly line, preparing the way for the monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** The core message of [1 Samuel 3:11](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11 - God's Judgment on Eli's House") contributes significantly to several major themes in the book of Samuel and beyond. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to hold even spiritual leaders accountable for sin and unfaithfulness. The "thing" God promises to do is the inevitable consequence of Eli's failure and his sons' blasphemy, emphasizing that God's holiness demands righteous conduct, especially from those in positions of authority. Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Authority and Revelation**, as God bypasses the failing priestly system to raise up Samuel as a legitimate prophet, marking the beginning of a new era where God speaks directly through chosen individuals. This shift is crucial for Israel's future. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**, serving as a stark warning about the tragic outcomes of passive leadership and blatant disregard for divine commands, which would ultimately lead to the downfall of Eli's house as seen in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "The Battle of Aphek and the Death of Eli's Sons").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. The use of the covenant name of God, YHWH (rendered "LORD" in KJV), is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that this pronouncement comes from the faithful, covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is also perfectly just. This is not a capricious act but a righteous judgment from the God who established the law and expects obedience, particularly from His chosen leaders. It underscores the solemnity and certainty of the divine decree.
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. The Hebrew term _dâbâr_ is rich in meaning, encompassing "word," "matter," "affair," or "deed." In this context, it signifies a decisive, impactful, and irreversible action that God Himself will execute. The deliberate vagueness of "a thing" initially heightens the suspense and dread, implying an event of unprecedented and shocking magnitude that will be a direct consequence of God's spoken word.
* **tingle (Hebrew, _tsâlal'_):** A primitive root (identical with through the idea of vibration); to tinkle, i.e. rattle together (as the ears in reddening with shame, or the teeth in chattering with fear); quiver, tingle. This powerful Hebrew idiom vividly conveys the profound shock, horror, and dreadful astonishment that will seize anyone who hears of the impending event. It describes a physical sensation—a ringing or vibrating in the ears—that is a direct physiological response to an overwhelmingly terrible and unforgettable piece of news. This imagery emphasizes the extreme nature of the judgment, ensuring it will be deeply unsettling and impossible to ignore or forget. Similar expressions are found in [2 Kings 21:12](/2_kings/21-12 "Manasseh's Sin and Jerusalem's Judgment") regarding God's judgment on Jerusalem and [Jeremiah 19:3](/jeremiah/19-3 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Disaster"), highlighting its consistent use in prophetic warnings of severe divine retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said to Samuel":** This opening phrase is profoundly significant, marking the formal commencement of Samuel's prophetic ministry. It signifies direct, unmediated divine communication, establishing Samuel's unique role as God's chosen messenger. This direct address bypasses the compromised priestly system, signaling a new era of divine revelation in Israel, where God speaks directly through a faithful servant.
* **"Behold, I will do a thing in Israel":** The interjection "Behold" (Hebrew, _hinneh_) draws immediate attention to the gravity of the declaration, serving as a call to profound attentiveness. God's sovereign initiative ("I will do") is emphasized, indicating His active involvement in the affairs of His people. The "thing" refers to the impending judgment upon Eli's house, which will have widespread national implications, affecting "Israel" as a whole, not just a specific family. It highlights the public and impactful nature of God's coming act, ensuring its visibility and significance to the entire nation.
* **"at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle":** This climactic clause employs a vivid idiom to describe the overwhelming and terrifying impact of the coming judgment. The physical sensation of "tingling ears" underscores the extreme shock, dread, and unforgettable nature of the event. It implies a public catastrophe so profound that it will reverberate through the entire nation, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness and serving as a chilling testament to the consequences of unfaithfulness and the severity of divine retribution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs several **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "ears shall tingle." This vivid, culturally specific expression effectively communicates the profound shock and horror associated with the impending judgment, transcending a mere factual statement to evoke a visceral reaction. The declaration also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the devastating events that will soon befall Eli's family and the nation, setting a tone of impending doom and divine retribution. Furthermore, the direct address from "the LORD" to Samuel is an instance of **Divine Speech** or **Revelation**, underscoring the authoritative and unchallengeable nature of the prophecy. The intensity of the idiom can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the physical sensation to emphasize the extreme emotional and psychological impact of the news, ensuring its unforgettable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Samuel 3:11](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11 - God's Judgment on Eli's House") is a profound theological statement on God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is not only sovereign over history but also meticulously just, holding His people, especially those in leadership, accountable for their actions and failures. The severity of the promised judgment underscores God's holiness and His intolerance for sin, particularly when it defiles sacred institutions. This verse illustrates that divine patience has limits, and unaddressed corruption will inevitably lead to devastating consequences. Simultaneously, it showcases God's faithfulness to His own word, as the prophecy against Eli's house, previously delivered, is now confirmed and set in motion. It also highlights God's sovereign ability to raise up new, faithful instruments (like Samuel) even when established structures of leadership have failed, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His purposes for Israel.

* [1 Samuel 2:30-36](/1_samuel/2-30-36 "God's Judgment Declared on Eli's House")
* [2 Kings 21:12](/2_kings/21-12 "Manasseh's Sin and Jerusalem's Judgment")
* [Jeremiah 19:3](/jeremiah/19-3 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Coming Disaster")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling prophecy delivered to Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:11](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11 - God's Judgment on Eli's House") carries timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the solemnity of God's word and the certainty of its fulfillment, whether in judgment or blessing. We are called to cultivate a posture of humble listening and obedience, just as Samuel did, recognizing that God still speaks through His Scriptures and by His Spirit. This verse also profoundly emphasizes the principle of accountability, particularly for those in positions of spiritual or moral leadership. Eli's failure to discipline his sons and uphold righteousness within his own household led to devastating consequences, underscoring that passive leadership in the face of sin is itself a form of unfaithfulness. We are challenged to examine our own lives and spheres of influence, ensuring that we do not tolerate or enable sin, but rather uphold God's standards with courage and integrity. Finally, the narrative offers hope: even in times of spiritual decline and institutional failure, God remains sovereign and capable of raising up new, faithful servants to accomplish His divine purposes, signaling His enduring commitment to His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings and promises in Scripture, recognizing that His word will be fulfilled?**
* **In what areas of my life, or in the leadership I observe (in church, family, or community), might there be a need for greater accountability and faithfulness to God's standards?**
* **Am I truly open to hearing God's voice, even when His message is challenging, requires repentance, or calls for a significant shift in my perspective or actions?**

### FAQ

**What "thing" is God referring to in this verse that will make ears tingle?**

Answer: The "thing" God refers to is the complete and devastating fulfillment of the judgment previously pronounced against the house of Eli. This judgment, detailed by a "man of God" in [1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27-36 "God's Prophecy Against Eli's House"), included the cutting off of Eli's priestly line, the death of his two wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, on the same day, and the loss of the high priesthood for his descendants. The horror of this prophecy was tragically fulfilled in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "The Battle of Aphek and the Death of Eli's Sons"), when the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, Hophni and Phinehas were killed in battle, and Eli himself died upon hearing the news, thereby fulfilling the "thing" that made ears tingle.

**Why did God choose Samuel, a young boy, to deliver such a weighty and terrifying message?**

Answer: God chose Samuel, a young boy, for several profound reasons. Firstly, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to choose anyone, regardless of age or status, to accomplish His purposes. Secondly, it underscores the spiritual decline of the established priesthood under Eli; since the current priestly leadership was corrupt and unfaithful, God bypassed them to raise up a pure and obedient vessel. This choice signaled a significant transition in leadership and divine revelation in Israel, moving from a failing priestly system to a new era of prophetic leadership. Samuel's immediate and humble obedience, in contrast to Eli's passive leadership and his sons' blatant wickedness, demonstrated his readiness to be God's faithful messenger, as confirmed later in [1 Samuel 3:19-20](/1_samuel/3-19-20 "Samuel's Prophetic Ministry Established").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chilling prophecy delivered to Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:11](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11 - God's Judgment on Eli's House"), while immediately focused on the judgment of Eli's house, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Samuel, as God's chosen prophet who inaugurates a new era of divine communication, foreshadows Jesus Christ, the supreme Prophet whom Moses foretold in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Moses' Prophecy of a Coming Prophet") and whom Peter proclaimed in [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Peter's Sermon on Jesus as the Prophet"). Just as Samuel delivered a message of severe judgment, Christ, too, spoke of impending judgment for sin and unbelief ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "He Who Believes Is Not Condemned")). However, the "thing" that causes ears to tingle in the New Covenant is not merely judgment but the astonishing reality of God's redemptive plan. The ultimate "thing" God did in Israel, and indeed for all humanity, was to send His Son, Jesus, to bear the judgment for sin on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "The Suffering Servant"), [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). The message of the cross, the ultimate act of divine justice and love, is a truth so profound that it causes ears to tingle not with dread of impending doom for the faithful, but with awe, wonder, and transformative power. Through Christ, a new and perfect priesthood was established, replacing the flawed earthly one ([Hebrews 7:24-28](/hebrews/7-24-28 "Jesus, a Permanent Priest"), [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")), and a new covenant inaugurated, offering forgiveness and eternal life, a message that truly makes hearts and ears tingle with the good news of God's glorious grace ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World"), [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 1:5

¶ Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].

2 Kings 21:12

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I [am] bringing [such] evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.

Acts 13:41

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

Jeremiah 19:3

And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.

Luke 21:26

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Amos 3:6

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.