1 Samuel 3:21

KJV

And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} again {H3254} in Shiloh {H7887}: for the LORD {H3068} revealed {H1540} himself to Samuel {H8050} in Shiloh {H7887} by the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI continued appearing in Shiloh, for ADONAI revealed himself to Sh'mu'el in Shiloh by the word of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah appeared again in Shiloh; for Jehovah revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 3:21 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Samuel, solidifying his role as a recognized prophet of the LORD throughout Israel. Following God's initial, dramatic call and revelation of judgment against Eli's house, this verse emphasizes God's continued, active presence and self-disclosure at Shiloh, the central sanctuary. It underscores that God's communication with Samuel was not a singular event but an ongoing, personal relationship, consistently conveyed "by the word of the LORD," thereby establishing Samuel's authority and the divine origin of his prophetic messages.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to a foundational chapter in Samuel's life and the broader narrative of Israel. Chapter 3 begins with Samuel serving under Eli, a time when "the word of the LORD was rare" ([1 Samuel 3:1](/1-samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of God's Word")). God then initiates a dramatic, audible call to young Samuel, revealing a severe judgment against Eli's house ([1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1-samuel/3-14 "1 Samuel 3:14 - God's Judgment on Eli's House")). Samuel, though initially hesitant, faithfully conveys this difficult message to Eli ([1 Samuel 3:15-18](/1-samuel/3-18 "1 Samuel 3:18 - Samuel Delivers God's Message")). The preceding verse, [1 Samuel 3:20](/1-samuel/3-20 "1 Samuel 3:20 - Samuel Recognized as a Prophet"), explicitly states that "all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD." Thus, [1 Samuel 3:21](/1-samuel/3-21 "1 Samuel 3:21 - God's Continued Revelation to Samuel") reinforces and explains *how* Samuel's prophetic authority was established: through repeated, direct divine encounters. It sets the stage for Samuel's future ministry as a judge, prophet, and king-maker.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shiloh was the primary religious center of Israel during the period of the Judges and early monarchy, serving as the location for the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant ([Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh"); [Judges 18:31](/judges/18-31 "Judges 18:31 - The Tabernacle in Shiloh")). This made it the focal point for Israelite worship and divine presence. However, the spiritual climate was in decline, marked by the moral corruption of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who abused their priestly office and defiled the sanctuary ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1-samuel/2-17 "1 Samuel 2:17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). In this context of spiritual barrenness and priestly failure, God's deliberate choice to appear and reveal himself to a young, faithful boy like Samuel in Shiloh signaled a divine intervention and a shift in leadership. It underscored God's commitment to His covenant people, even when their human leaders faltered, and His willingness to raise up new, righteous instruments for His purposes.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 3:21](/1-samuel/3-21 "1 Samuel 3:21 - God's Ongoing Revelation") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Revelation and Presence**. The repeated appearance of the LORD in Shiloh emphasizes God's active, personal engagement with His people, choosing to make Himself known in a specific place and to a chosen individual. This contrasts sharply with the "rare" word of the LORD at the chapter's opening, highlighting God's initiative in restoring communication. Closely related is the theme of **Prophetic Succession and Authority**. With Eli's house failing, God raises Samuel as a new, legitimate voice, confirming his prophetic calling through direct, verbal revelation. This establishes Samuel as a true prophet, whose words carry divine authority, a stark contrast to the false or self-initiated prophecies that plagued Israel. Finally, the phrase "by the word of the LORD" underscores the **Sovereignty and Power of God's Word**. It is not human insight or wisdom, but God's direct utterance that shapes history, reveals His will, and establishes His chosen instruments. This theme is foundational throughout the prophetic books, where prophets are consistently portrayed as messengers of God's precise and authoritative word (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God's Word in Jeremiah's Mouth"); [Ezekiel 2:7](/ezekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel 2:7 - Ezekiel's Commission to Speak God's Word")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appeared (Hebrew, _nir'ah'_):** This is the Niphal form of the verb רָאָה (ra'ah), meaning "to see." In the Niphal stem, it carries a reflexive or passive sense, "to be seen" or "to appear." When God is the subject, it often denotes a **theophany** or a visible manifestation of God's presence. The use of "again" (עוֹד, _'od_) with _nir'ah_ emphasizes that this was not a one-time event but a recurring, deliberate act of God making Himself perceptible to Samuel, confirming an ongoing relationship and continuous revelation.
* **Revealed himself (Hebrew, _niglah'_):** This is the Niphal form of the verb גָּלָה (galah), meaning "to uncover," "to disclose," or "to reveal." Similar to _nir'ah_, when applied to God, it signifies an active, intentional act of self-disclosure, making what was hidden known. It implies a deliberate unveiling of God's character, will, or purpose. The combination of "appeared" and "revealed himself" underscores the intensity and clarity of God's communication with Samuel, distinguishing it from mere spiritual intuition.
* **Word (Hebrew, _davar'_):** The Hebrew term דָּבָר (davar) is rich in meaning, encompassing "word," "speech," "matter," "thing," or "event." In the context of divine communication, "the word of the LORD" (דְּבַר יְהוָה, _dvar YHWH_) is a standard prophetic formula, indicating a direct, authoritative, and often verbal message from God. It highlights that God's revelation to Samuel was not merely a feeling or an impression, but a concrete, intelligible message that Samuel was to receive and transmit. It emphasizes the verbal and propositional nature of God's communication with His prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh:"** This opening clause re-establishes God's active presence at Shiloh, the central sanctuary. The word "again" (עוֹד, _'od_) is crucial, indicating a continuation or repetition of God's self-manifestation, building upon the initial call in [1 Samuel 3:4](/1-samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - God Calls Samuel"). It signifies that God's engagement with Samuel was not an isolated incident but an ongoing, consistent relationship, thereby validating Samuel's prophetic calling through repeated divine encounters in the very place where God's presence was meant to dwell.
* **"for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh"**: This clause explains *why* the LORD appeared again: it was for the express purpose of revealing Himself to Samuel. The repetition of "the LORD" and "in Shiloh" emphasizes divine initiative and the specific location of this ongoing revelation. The verb "revealed himself" (נִגְלָה, _niglah_) denotes a deliberate act of God making Himself known, not just generally, but specifically to Samuel. This personal and direct revelation is what establishes Samuel's unique relationship with God and his legitimacy as a prophet, setting him apart from the corrupt priesthood.
* **"by the word of the LORD."**: This concluding phrase specifies the *means* of God's revelation. It was not through dreams, visions, or indirect signs alone, but primarily through direct, verbal communication—"the word of the LORD." This phrase is a hallmark of true prophecy, indicating that Samuel's messages were not his own thoughts or interpretations, but the direct, authoritative utterances of God. It underscores the divine origin and power of Samuel's prophetic ministry, confirming that his authority was rooted in God's spoken word, which he faithfully received and conveyed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is prominent, with "the LORD" appearing three times and "in Shiloh" twice, serving to emphasize God's consistent presence and His deliberate choice of location for His revelation. This repetition creates a sense of divine intentionality and reiterates the sanctity of Shiloh as a place of encounter, despite the corruption of its human custodians. **Emphasis** is achieved through the use of two distinct but related verbs for divine manifestation: "appeared" (_nir'ah_) and "revealed himself" (_niglah_). This dual expression intensifies the description of God's self-disclosure, highlighting its clarity, directness, and ongoing nature. The verse also functions as a form of **Theophany**, describing a divine manifestation that establishes a direct link between God and His chosen prophet. Finally, the verse implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing God's abundant revelation to Samuel with the spiritual barrenness and "rare" word of the LORD mentioned at the chapter's beginning ([1 Samuel 3:1](/1-samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of God's Word")). This contrast underscores God's faithfulness to raise up a new, pure channel of communication in a time of spiritual decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 3:21 is a foundational text concerning the nature of divine revelation and the establishment of prophetic authority in Israel. It asserts God's active and ongoing presence among His people, even in times of spiritual darkness and institutional failure. God does not abandon His people but actively seeks to communicate His will, choosing faithful individuals through whom to speak. The emphasis on "the word of the LORD" highlights that true revelation is not subjective human insight but originates from God's direct, authoritative utterance. This verse sets the stage for Samuel's entire ministry, confirming that his words carried the weight of divine authority because they were God's very own. It teaches us that God is a speaking God, always seeking to make Himself known and to guide His people through His revealed truth.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to His Servants")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through the Son")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2-peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from God, Not Human Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of 1 Samuel 3:21 resonates deeply with believers today, reminding us that God is not a distant deity but an actively engaged, speaking God who desires to make Himself known. Just as He continually revealed Himself to Samuel, God continues to reveal His character, will, and purposes to us, primarily through His inspired and inerrant Word, the Bible. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness and readiness, much like Samuel, to hear and receive God's voice. In a world filled with noise and competing messages, the discipline of daily engaging with Scripture, coupled with prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, becomes paramount. Our spiritual authority and guidance, like Samuel's, must be rooted in the authentic "word of the LORD," not in fleeting emotions, cultural trends, or human wisdom. It challenges us to discern true spiritual guidance from false, recognizing that God's revelation is consistent with His character and His written Word. Furthermore, it offers hope that even in times of spiritual decline or institutional weakness, God is sovereign and will raise up faithful voices to speak His truth and guide His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does God "appear again" and "reveal himself" to me in my daily life?**
* **How does my engagement with "the word of the LORD" (the Bible) reflect its supreme authority in my life, as it did for Samuel?**
* **What distractions or spiritual "noise" might be preventing me from hearing God's voice clearly, and what steps can I take to cultivate greater attentiveness?**
* **How can I, like Samuel, be a faithful vessel for God's word in my sphere of influence, even when it's difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ
**Why does the verse say "appeared again" and "revealed himself"? Aren't these redundant?**

Answer: The use of both "appeared again" (נִרְאָה, _nir'ah_) and "revealed himself" (נִגְלָה, _niglah_) is not redundant but emphasizes the nature and continuity of God's communication with Samuel. "Appeared again" highlights the visible or perceptible manifestation of God's presence, building on the initial audible call in [1 Samuel 3:4](/1-samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - God Calls Samuel"). It signifies that God's engagement was not a one-off event but an ongoing, repeated act. "Revealed himself" focuses more on the *content* of that manifestation—God making His will, character, or purposes known. Together, they underscore the clarity, directness, and consistent nature of God's personal relationship with Samuel, establishing him as a prophet whose authority derived from continuous divine encounter and specific verbal revelation. This dual emphasis solidifies the divine origin of Samuel's prophetic office.

**What is the significance of God revealing himself "in Shiloh"?**

Answer: Shiloh was the central religious sanctuary of Israel during this period, housing the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant ([Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh")). It was the designated place where God's presence was meant to dwell among His people. However, the priesthood under Eli had become corrupt ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1-samuel/2-17 "1 Samuel 2:17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")), leading to a time when "the word of the LORD was rare" ([1 Samuel 3:1](/1-samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of God's Word")). God's decision to continue revealing Himself *in Shiloh*, specifically to Samuel, is highly significant. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant and His presence, even when human institutions fail. It signifies that God is raising up a new, pure channel of communication in the very heart of the corrupted religious system, emphasizing His sovereignty over human leadership and His commitment to maintaining a true witness among His people.

**How does "by the word of the LORD" define Samuel's prophetic ministry?**

Answer: The phrase "by the word of the LORD" (בִּדְבַר יְהוָה, _bidvar YHWH_) is a crucial definer of Samuel's, and indeed any true, prophetic ministry. It signifies that Samuel's messages were not his own thoughts, insights, or interpretations, but direct, verbal communications originating from God Himself. This distinguishes true prophecy from human speculation, false prophecy, or personal opinions. It establishes the divine authority and infallibility of Samuel's pronouncements. As a prophet, Samuel's role was to be God's mouthpiece, faithfully receiving and transmitting the precise "word of the LORD" to the people. This concept is foundational to understanding the authority of all biblical prophets and, ultimately, the authority of Scripture itself as God's inspired word ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2-timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed"); [2 Peter 1:21](/2-peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy Carried by the Holy Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 3:21, with its emphasis on God's ongoing self-revelation "by the word of the LORD" through Samuel, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Samuel was a prophet through whom God spoke, but Jesus is the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"); [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). While God revealed Himself partially and progressively through prophets like Samuel "at various times and in various ways," He has now "in these last days spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Jesus is not merely a messenger of God's word, but the living embodiment of that Word, the perfect and complete revelation of God's character and will. He is the ultimate Prophet, who not only spoke God's words but *is* God's final and most comprehensive word to humanity. In Christ, God did not just "appear again" or "reveal himself" through an intermediary; He fully disclosed Himself in human flesh, making the invisible God visible ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). The continuous, authoritative revelation Samuel received finds its culmination in the person and work of Jesus, through whom all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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

Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

1 Samuel 3:1

¶ And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.

Genesis 15:1

¶ After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.

1 Samuel 3:4

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

Hebrews 1:1

¶ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Amos 3:7

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