1 Samuel 3:11

King James Version (KJV)

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.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

The Lord said to Samuel - He probably saw nothing, and only heard the voice; for it was not likely that any extraordinary representation could have been made to the eyes of a person so young. He heard a voice, but saw no similitude.

The ears - shall tingle - It shall be a piercing word to all Israel; it shall astound them all; and, after having heard it, it will still continue to resound in their ears.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

More accurately, “the which whosoever heareth both his ears shall tingle.” This expressive phrase occurs again twice (marginal references) with reference to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. It is remarkable that Jeremiah repeatedly compares the destruction of Jerusalem with the destruction of Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12, Jeremiah 7:14; Jeremiah 26:6, Jeremiah 26:9; Compare Psalm 78:60-64).

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

11. I will do. Samuel lived for years in an evil environment, and could not help seeing the difference between the instructions given in the scrolls of the law and the lives of the young priests who had been his intimate associates. Had he made inquiry of them, he would have received only angry rebuffs. His parents were not present to advise him, and he was hesitant to approach Eli himself. As he turned the matter over in his heart, the same question would come to him that comes to the mind of a godly youth today: If the Word of God lays down certain principles for the conduct of His work, and the leaders not only fail to follow these instructions, but are guilty of gross misconduct, why does He allow them to continue ministering in holy office?

Seed sowing is not followed immediately by the harvest, because time is needed for the fruit to reach maturity. The process of character development requires timeâ€”probationary time. Thus it was with Hophni and Phinehas; thus it is today. Eventually God brings to nought all who defy His statutes (Ps. 119:118). As Christ permitted Judas to occupy a position where he would have the opportunity to succeed, so He allowed Hophni and his brother to be placed in a position where they could, by relying on Him, become acceptable ministers of the covenant. But like Judas, the sons of Eli would not surrender to His guidance. By allowing self to reign supreme, they made it impossible for God to impart to them the necessary training. God knew what would happen should they continue in their perverse course, and in love and long-suffering warned them what the result would be. Yet, like Judas, they chose their own way, only to realize ultimately the truth expressed by Paul centuries later, “He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption” (Gal. 6:8). In his own experience, Samuel verified Paul’s admonition, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).

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Ellen G. White
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 516

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Ellen G. White
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 410

Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure. The Lord knoweth them that are His. The sanctified minister must have no guile in his mouth. He must be open as the day, free from every taint of evil. A sanctified ministry and press will be a power in flashing the light of truth on this untoward generation. Light, brethren, more light we need. Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm in the holy mountain. Gather the host of the Lord, with sanctified hearts, to hear what the Lord will say unto His people; for He has increased light for all who will hear. Let them be armed and equipped, and come up to the battle—to the help of the Lord against the mighty. God Himself will work for Israel. Every lying tongue will be silenced. Angels’ hands will overthrow the deceptive schemes that are being formed. The bulwarks of Satan will never triumph. Victory will attend the third angel's message. As the Captain of the Lord's host tore down the walls of Jericho, so will the Lord's commandment-keeping people triumph, and all opposing elements be defeated. Let no soul complain of the servants of God who have come to them with a heaven-sent message. Do not any longer pick flaws in them, saying, “They are too positive; they talk too strongly.” They may talk strongly; but is it not needed? God will make the ears of the hearers tingle if they will not heed His voice or His message. He will denounce those who resist the word of God. TM 410.1

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Ellen G. White
The Voice in Speech and Song, 345.3

Christ's Lifestyle—Although it is not congenial to the natural inclinations, the minister must proclaim the straight truth which will make the ears of them that hear tingle; for they must lay before those who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God the dangers and the perils that are around them, and the doom that awaits the impenitent. Because this message is not agreeable to their inclination or welcome to those who must be warned, they are solemnly charged to be faithful in its declaration. The minister will meet wrongs that will seem to defy correction. They will be made aware of sins that seem to be covered that will need to be exposed on the right hand and on the left. The prophet says, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinances of their God” [Isaiah 58:1, 2]. VSS 345.3

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Ellen G. White
Child Guidance, 276

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Cross References

I will do