I Samuel 3 Commentary: God Calls Samuel
And 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.
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.
And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.
Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
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.
In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.
And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.
And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
And all Israel from Dan even to Beer–sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.
And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.
I Samuel 3 is a pivotal chapter, marking the transition of spiritual leadership in Israel. Following the grim prophecy of judgment against Eli's corrupt household (I Samuel 2:27-36), this chapter recounts God's direct communication with young Samuel, confirming the impending judgment and establishing Samuel as a prophet. This marks a significant shift, as direct revelation from God had become rare in Israel (I Samuel 3:1). The chapter sets the stage for Eli's death and the subsequent conflict with the Philistines. Let's delve into the details of this important chapter.
A Rare Vision (I Samuel 3:1-3)
"Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision." (I Samuel 3:1)
The chapter opens by highlighting the spiritual state of Israel. Samuel, though young, is faithfully serving the Lord under Eli's guidance. The word "boy" here can also mean a young man, perhaps even a teenager. Think of David described with the same word when he faced Goliath (I Samuel 17:33). However, a critical detail is emphasized: "the word of the Lord was rare." Prophetic visions were infrequent. This scarcity of divine communication is likely linked to the corruption within the priesthood, with Eli's wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, leading the people astray. With such ungodly leadership at the helm of Israel's worship and ministry, it's no wonder God's voice was seldom heard.
The setting is also important. Eli, now old and with failing eyesight (I Samuel 3:2), was in his usual place, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple, near the ark of the covenant (I Samuel 3:3). This proximity to the very presence of God sets the stage for the extraordinary encounter that is about to unfold.
The Lord Calls (I Samuel 3:4-10)
"That the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down." (I Samuel 3:4-5)
God's initiative is evident as He calls Samuel's name. Initially, Samuel doesn't recognize the voice and assumes it's Eli. He responds with eagerness and obedience, running to Eli. This happens not once, but three times! Eli eventually discerns that the Lord is calling the boy (I Samuel 3:8).
I Samuel 3:7 offers a crucial insight: "Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him." This explains Samuel's confusion. He hadn't yet experienced a personal relationship with God, nor had he received any divine revelation. This highlights God's sovereign plan to initiate Samuel into his prophetic ministry.
Eli instructs Samuel on how to respond: "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” (I Samuel 3:9). This simple yet profound instruction demonstrates Eli's understanding of God's ways, even amidst his own failings.
The Lord then appears and calls Samuel's name again, this time with a double emphasis: "Samuel, Samuel!" (I Samuel 3:10). Samuel, now prepared, responds with humility and receptiveness: "Speak, for your servant hears."
A Message of Judgment (I Samuel 3:11-14)
"Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle." (I Samuel 3:11)
The message Samuel receives is a harsh one. God reveals his impending judgment against Eli and his household, fulfilling the prophecy previously delivered by the man of God (I Samuel 2:27-36). The phrase "the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle" suggests a shocking and terrifying event.
The reason for this judgment is Eli's failure to restrain his wicked sons, who have blasphemed God by their corrupt practices within the temple (I Samuel 2:12-17). Eli, as both father and high priest, had a responsibility to correct their behavior, but he failed to do so adequately. God declares that the iniquity of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering (I Samuel 3:14), emphasizing the severity and permanence of the judgment.
Reluctant Obedience and Acceptance (I Samuel 3:15-18)
"Samuel lay until morning, then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli." (I Samuel 3:15)
Samuel's reluctance to share the vision with Eli is understandable. The message is devastating, and Samuel is likely afraid of Eli's reaction. However, Eli insists that Samuel reveal everything, leaving nothing out (I Samuel 3:17).
When Samuel finally delivers the message, Eli responds with a somber acceptance: "It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.” (I Samuel 3:18). While this might seem like a pious resignation, it also reveals a certain passivity. Eli acknowledges God's sovereignty but doesn't demonstrate any active repentance or attempt to mitigate the consequences.
Samuel's Growing Influence (I Samuel 3:19-21)
"And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground." (I Samuel 3:19)
The chapter concludes with Samuel's continued growth and increasing influence as a prophet. The Lord's presence is with him, and none of his words "fall to the ground," meaning everything he prophesies comes to pass. This establishes Samuel's credibility and authority as a true prophet of the Lord.
Throughout Israel, people recognize that Samuel is a trustworthy prophet of the Lord (I Samuel 3:20). The Lord continues to reveal himself to Samuel in Shiloh (I Samuel 3:21), solidifying Samuel's role as God's chosen vessel for communicating with His people.
I Samuel 3 serves as a turning point in Israel's history. It marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry and foreshadows the end of Eli's dynasty. More importantly, it underscores the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences of neglecting God's commands. The chapter is a reminder that God speaks to those who are willing to listen and that He holds leaders accountable for their actions. It's also a testament to God's grace in raising up new leadership when the old has become corrupt.
And 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.
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.
And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.
Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
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.
In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.
And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.
And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
And all Israel from Dan even to Beer–sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.
And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.
I Samuel 3 is a pivotal chapter, marking the transition of spiritual leadership in Israel. Following the grim prophecy of judgment against Eli's corrupt household (I Samuel 2:27-36), this chapter recounts God's direct communication with young Samuel, confirming the impending judgment and establishing Samuel as a prophet. This marks a significant shift, as direct revelation from God had become rare in Israel (I Samuel 3:1). The chapter sets the stage for Eli's death and the subsequent conflict with the Philistines. Let's delve into the details of this important chapter.
A Rare Vision (I Samuel 3:1-3)
"Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision." (I Samuel 3:1)
The chapter opens by highlighting the spiritual state of Israel. Samuel, though young, is faithfully serving the Lord under Eli's guidance. The word "boy" here can also mean a young man, perhaps even a teenager. Think of David described with the same word when he faced Goliath (I Samuel 17:33). However, a critical detail is emphasized: "the word of the Lord was rare." Prophetic visions were infrequent. This scarcity of divine communication is likely linked to the corruption within the priesthood, with Eli's wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, leading the people astray. With such ungodly leadership at the helm of Israel's worship and ministry, it's no wonder God's voice was seldom heard.
The setting is also important. Eli, now old and with failing eyesight (I Samuel 3:2), was in his usual place, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple, near the ark of the covenant (I Samuel 3:3). This proximity to the very presence of God sets the stage for the extraordinary encounter that is about to unfold.
The Lord Calls (I Samuel 3:4-10)
"That the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down." (I Samuel 3:4-5)
God's initiative is evident as He calls Samuel's name. Initially, Samuel doesn't recognize the voice and assumes it's Eli. He responds with eagerness and obedience, running to Eli. This happens not once, but three times! Eli eventually discerns that the Lord is calling the boy (I Samuel 3:8).
I Samuel 3:7 offers a crucial insight: "Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him." This explains Samuel's confusion. He hadn't yet experienced a personal relationship with God, nor had he received any divine revelation. This highlights God's sovereign plan to initiate Samuel into his prophetic ministry.
Eli instructs Samuel on how to respond: "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” (I Samuel 3:9). This simple yet profound instruction demonstrates Eli's understanding of God's ways, even amidst his own failings.
The Lord then appears and calls Samuel's name again, this time with a double emphasis: "Samuel, Samuel!" (I Samuel 3:10). Samuel, now prepared, responds with humility and receptiveness: "Speak, for your servant hears."
A Message of Judgment (I Samuel 3:11-14)
"Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle." (I Samuel 3:11)
The message Samuel receives is a harsh one. God reveals his impending judgment against Eli and his household, fulfilling the prophecy previously delivered by the man of God (I Samuel 2:27-36). The phrase "the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle" suggests a shocking and terrifying event.
The reason for this judgment is Eli's failure to restrain his wicked sons, who have blasphemed God by their corrupt practices within the temple (I Samuel 2:12-17). Eli, as both father and high priest, had a responsibility to correct their behavior, but he failed to do so adequately. God declares that the iniquity of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering (I Samuel 3:14), emphasizing the severity and permanence of the judgment.
Reluctant Obedience and Acceptance (I Samuel 3:15-18)
"Samuel lay until morning, then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli." (I Samuel 3:15)
Samuel's reluctance to share the vision with Eli is understandable. The message is devastating, and Samuel is likely afraid of Eli's reaction. However, Eli insists that Samuel reveal everything, leaving nothing out (I Samuel 3:17).
When Samuel finally delivers the message, Eli responds with a somber acceptance: "It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.” (I Samuel 3:18). While this might seem like a pious resignation, it also reveals a certain passivity. Eli acknowledges God's sovereignty but doesn't demonstrate any active repentance or attempt to mitigate the consequences.
Samuel's Growing Influence (I Samuel 3:19-21)
"And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground." (I Samuel 3:19)
The chapter concludes with Samuel's continued growth and increasing influence as a prophet. The Lord's presence is with him, and none of his words "fall to the ground," meaning everything he prophesies comes to pass. This establishes Samuel's credibility and authority as a true prophet of the Lord.
Throughout Israel, people recognize that Samuel is a trustworthy prophet of the Lord (I Samuel 3:20). The Lord continues to reveal himself to Samuel in Shiloh (I Samuel 3:21), solidifying Samuel's role as God's chosen vessel for communicating with His people.
I Samuel 3 serves as a turning point in Israel's history. It marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry and foreshadows the end of Eli's dynasty. More importantly, it underscores the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences of neglecting God's commands. The chapter is a reminder that God speaks to those who are willing to listen and that He holds leaders accountable for their actions. It's also a testament to God's grace in raising up new leadership when the old has become corrupt.