1 Samuel 3

1 Samuel 3 recounts the momentous call of Samuel by God, marking the beginning of Samuel’s role as a prophet in Israel. This chapter emphasizes the rarity of God’s word during that time and the significance of Samuel’s response to His call. It also highlights Eli's declining spiritual leadership and the shift towards Samuel as a key figure in Israel's history.

1 Samuel 3:1 (NKJV)
1 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.

This verse sets the stage for the chapter by highlighting Samuel's dedication to serving the Lord under Eli’s mentorship. It also notes the spiritual drought in Israel, where divine communication was scarce. This indicates a time of moral and spiritual decline in Israel, making the coming message to Samuel even more significant. Samuel’s role in this environment foreshadows his importance in restoring communication between God and Israel.

1 Samuel 3:2-5 (NKJV)
2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see,
3 and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down,
4 that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!”
5 So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down.

This passage describes the first time God calls Samuel. Eli’s dim eyesight symbolizes his spiritual blindness as well as his physical decline. The reference to the lamp of God not yet going out suggests that, despite the spiritual darkness, hope remains for Israel. When Samuel hears God’s call, he mistakes it for Eli’s voice, revealing his inexperience in recognizing God’s voice. This sequence shows Samuel’s obedience and readiness, even if he doesn't yet understand the divine nature of the call.

1 Samuel 3:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.”
7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.)

The second call of Samuel mirrors the first, and once again, Samuel runs to Eli, showing his willingness to serve. Verse 7 explains that Samuel did not yet recognize God’s voice because he had never received a personal revelation from the Lord before. This highlights Samuel’s innocence and the newness of his prophetic role, preparing the reader for his first direct encounter with God.

1 Samuel 3:8-9 (NKJV)
8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy.
9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

After the third call, Eli finally realizes that it is the Lord calling Samuel. Eli instructs Samuel on how to respond, showing that although Eli has lost much of his spiritual sensitivity, he still possesses enough discernment to guide Samuel. This marks a pivotal moment where Samuel is taught how to respond to divine revelation, symbolizing the transition from Eli’s leadership to Samuel’s prophetic ministry.

1 Samuel 3:10 (NKJV)
10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

This verse describes the personal and direct nature of God’s call to Samuel. By repeating Samuel’s name, God emphasizes the importance of the moment. Samuel’s response, following Eli’s instructions, demonstrates his readiness and humility to receive God’s message. This interaction marks Samuel’s first step into his prophetic role and establishes his connection with God.

1 Samuel 3:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Then the Lord said to Samuel: “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.
12 In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.
13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.
14 And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”

God reveals to Samuel the coming judgment against Eli’s house. This message is a continuation of the prophecy already given to Eli in 1 Samuel 2:27-36. The severity of the judgment is underlined by the phrase that the ears of those who hear will tingle, signifying the shocking nature of what God is about to do. Eli’s failure to discipline his sons, despite their corrupt behavior, is the cause of this irrevocable judgment. God’s statement that their sin cannot be atoned for emphasizes the finality of this decision.

1 Samuel 3:15-18 (NKJV)
15 So Samuel lay down until morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision.
16 Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!” He answered, “Here I am.”
17 And he said, “What is the word that the Lord spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you.”
18 Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.”

After receiving the vision, Samuel is understandably afraid to share the grim message with Eli. However, Eli insists that Samuel tell him everything. Samuel’s obedience in relaying the full message shows his integrity, even though the message involves the downfall of Eli’s family. Eli’s response, “It is the Lord,” shows his resignation and acceptance of God’s will, though it is a tragic outcome for him and his house.

1 Samuel 3:19-21 (NKJV)
19 So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.
20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord.
21 Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

These verses summarize Samuel’s growth and establish his reputation as a true prophet throughout Israel. The phrase “none of his words fall to the ground” indicates that God validated everything Samuel spoke. The widespread recognition of Samuel’s role as a prophet marks the beginning of a new era of prophetic leadership in Israel. Additionally, God’s continued revelations to Samuel in Shiloh indicate that divine communication had been restored in Israel, with Samuel as the central figure through whom God spoke.