Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 3:11. It's a really interesting and slightly strange passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling Samuel to do something that will make people feel a strong reaction – probably a tingling sensation – if they listen to him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said…” : This establishes that this isn't just a casual instruction; it’s a significant event being directed from God. “…to Samuel…” : This identifies who is being told this message. “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel…” : This sets the scene – God is about to perform a specific action in the land of Israel. “…at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.” : This is the core of the verse and what’s causing the reaction. Let's break this down further: “both the ears…” : This means everyone who hears the message will experience a reaction. “…that heareth it” : This refers to people listening to Samuel. “…shall tingle.” : This is the key part! It suggests that listening to this message – perhaps a prophecy or something God has revealed – will cause a physical sensation of tingling, like a small prickly feeling in your skin. What does it mean practically? Historically, this verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Samuel’s prophetic pronouncements. It suggests that God’s words can have a powerful and sometimes unsettling effect on people. It's not necessarily about literal tingling – it’s about the impact of hearing something important or challenging. Possible Interpretations: A Warning: The "tingling" might be a warning to listen carefully to God's word, because it could have serious consequences. A Revelation: It could represent a significant revelation – a truth that profoundly affects people’s understanding of the world or themselves. A Test: It could be a test for Samuel as a prophet to understand the importance of his message. In short, it's a vivid image of a powerful message causing a physical response. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of 1 Samuel 3:11 within the larger story? The historical significance of this passage?