1 Samuel 3:21
And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֹּ֥סֶף
again
H3254
וַיֹּ֥סֶף
again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 12
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
יְהוָֽה׃
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְהֵֽרָאֹ֣ה
appeared
H7200
לְהֵֽרָאֹ֣ה
appeared
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִגְלָ֨ה
revealed
H1540
נִגְלָ֨ה
revealed
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
6 of 12
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
יְהוָֽה׃
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Genesis 12:7And 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 3:1And 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 15:1After 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.Numbers 12:6And 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.1 Samuel 3:4That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.Hebrews 1:1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,Amos 3:7Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.1 Samuel 3:10And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
Historical Context
Shiloh's continued function as revelation site despite its corruption shows God's patience with flawed institutions. Yet the emphasis on Samuel rather than the priesthood signals the coming shift in Israel's spiritual leadership from priests to prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God bring renewal to corrupted institutions through faithful individuals?
- What does the return of divine revelation at Shiloh teach about God's commitment to His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The chapter concludes with emphasis on renewed revelation: 'the LORD appeared again in Shiloh.' The prophetic silence of verse 1 has ended. God 'revealed himself to Samuel...by the word of the LORD' - divine communication has resumed through a faithful channel. The location at Shiloh is significant: despite its coming destruction, God continues to reveal Himself there through Samuel. The corrupted sanctuary becomes the site of prophetic renewal. God works through broken institutions to raise up reforming voices.