1 Samuel 3:18

So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. "He is the LORD," replied Eli. "Let Him do what is good in His eyes."

Study Bible

So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him.
This phrase highlights Samuel's obedience and integrity as a prophet. Samuel, a young boy serving under Eli, receives a difficult message from God regarding Eli's household. Despite the challenging nature of the prophecy, Samuel faithfully conveys the entire message to Eli, demonstrating his commitment to truth and transparency. This act of honesty is significant in the biblical narrative, as it sets the tone for Samuel's future role as a prophet and leader in Israel. The phrase also reflects the biblical principle of speaking truthfully, as seen in Ephesians 4:25, which encourages believers to speak truthfully to one another. Samuel's willingness to deliver God's message without alteration or omission is a testament to his character and foreshadows his future as a trustworthy prophet.

“He is the LORD,” replied Eli.
Eli's response acknowledges the sovereignty and authority of God. By stating "He is the LORD," Eli recognizes God's ultimate control over the situation and submits to His will. This phrase reflects a deep understanding of God's nature as the supreme ruler and judge, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. Eli's acceptance of God's judgment, despite its harshness, demonstrates a level of humility and resignation to divine authority. This acknowledgment of God's sovereignty is echoed in other scriptures, such as Job 1:21, where Job submits to God's will in the face of personal loss. Eli's response serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's authority in all circumstances.

“Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”
Eli's statement here is an expression of faith and trust in God's wisdom and justice. By saying "Let Him do what is good in His eyes," Eli submits to God's judgment, trusting that whatever God decides is ultimately for the best, even if it involves personal loss or suffering. This reflects a biblical understanding that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human understanding, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9. Eli's acceptance of God's will, despite the impending judgment on his household, is an example of surrendering to divine providence. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's goodness and righteousness, as seen in Romans 8:28, which assures believers that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. Eli's response is a model of faith and submission to God's perfect will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A young boy serving under Eli in the temple, chosen by God to be a prophet. Samuel is obedient and faithful, even when delivering difficult messages.

2. Eli
The high priest and judge of Israel, who is Samuel's mentor. Eli is a complex figure, both a spiritual leader and a father who struggles with his sons' disobedience.

3. The LORD
The God of Israel, who communicates His will through prophets like Samuel. His sovereignty and justice are central themes in this passage.

4. The Temple
The place where Samuel serves and where God reveals His message to him. It is a setting of divine encounter and revelation.

5. The Prophetic Message
The message from God that Samuel must deliver to Eli, concerning the judgment on Eli's house due to the sins of his sons.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Call
Samuel's willingness to deliver God's message, despite its difficulty, teaches us the importance of obedience to God's call in our lives.

Acceptance of God's Sovereignty
Eli's response demonstrates a profound acceptance of God's will, reminding us to trust in God's plan, even when it involves personal loss or hardship.

The Role of Prophets
Samuel's role as a prophet highlights the importance of truth-telling in leadership and the responsibility to convey God's messages faithfully.

Consequences of Disobedience
The judgment on Eli's house serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of living a life that honors God.

Faith in God's Justice
Eli's acceptance of God's judgment reflects a deep faith in God's justice, encouraging us to trust that God will ultimately do what is right.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samuel's obedience in delivering God's message challenge us in our own lives when faced with difficult truths?

2. In what ways can we learn from Eli's acceptance of God's will, especially when it involves personal sacrifice or loss?

3. How does the role of a prophet in the Old Testament compare to the role of spiritual leaders today in conveying God's truth?

4. What lessons can we draw from the consequences faced by Eli's house regarding the importance of living a life that honors God?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's justice and sovereignty in our daily lives, as demonstrated by Eli's response?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 2:27-36
This passage provides the background to God's judgment on Eli's house, which Samuel confirms in 1 Samuel 3:18.

Hebrews 12:5-11
This New Testament passage discusses God's discipline, which can be related to the judgment on Eli's house as a form of divine correction.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Eli's response, "Let Him do what is good in His eyes," reflects a trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, similar to the call to trust in the Lord with all your heart.