1Sa 3:11-14 | KD | STEP | When Samuel had lain down again, “ Jehovah came and stood ,” sc., before Samuel. These words show that the revelation of God was an objectively real affair, and not a mere dream of Samuel's. “ And he called to him as at other times ” (see Num 24:1; Jdg 16:20), etc.). When Samuel replied in accordance with Eli’s instructions, the Lord announced to him that He would carry out the judgment that had been threatened against the house of Eli ( ). “ Behold, I do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle ,” sc., with horror (see 2Ki 21:12; ; ).

‏ 1 Samuel 3:11-14

When Samuel had lain down again, “Jehovah came and stood,” sc., before Samuel. These words show that the revelation of God was an objectively real affair, and not a mere dream of Samuel's. “And he called to him as at other times” (see Num 24:1; Jdg 16:20), etc.). When Samuel replied in accordance with Eli’s instructions, the Lord announced to him that He would carry out the judgment that had been threatened against the house of Eli (1Sa 3:11-14). “Behold, I do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle,” sc., with horror (see 2Ki 21:12; Jer 19:3; Hab 1:5). 1Sa 3:12-14 On that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house (see 1Sa 2:30.), beginning and finishing it,” i.e., completely. דּבּר את־אשׁר הקים, to set up the word spoken, i.e., to carry it out, or accomplish it. In 1Sa 3:13 this word is communicated to Samuel, so far as its essential contents are concerned. God would judge “the house of Eli for ever because of the iniquity, that he knew his sons were preparing a curse for themselves and did not prevent them.” To judge on account of a crime, is the same as to punish it. עד־עולם, i.e., without the punishment being ever stopped or removed. להם מקללים, cursing themselves, i.e., bringing a curse upon themselves. “Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of the house of Eli shall not (אם, a particle used in an oath, equivalent to assuredly not) be expiated by slain-offerings and meat-offerings (through any kind of sacrifice) for ever.” The oath makes the sentence irrevocable. (On the facts themselves, see the commentary on 1Sa 2:27-36.)