1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 3 contains a moving event in which a young Samuel is called by God. This was a time of spiritual decline in Israel, when God’s word was rare. At that time, the priest Eli was serving as a judge. But alongside the spiritual decline of Eli’s family, scenes unfold that reveal preparations for a new era and for God to begin His plan.
1verseThe child Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. The LORD’s word was rare in those days. There were not many visions, then.
2verseAt that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see),
3verseand God’s lamp hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in the LORD’s temple where God’s ark was,
4verseThe LORD called Samuel. He said, “Here I am.”
5verseHe ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call. Lie down again.” He went and lay down.
6verseThe LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son. Lie down again.”
7verseNow Samuel didn’t yet know the LORD, neither was the LORD’s word yet revealed to him.
8verseThe LORD called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9verseTherefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10verseThe LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”
11verseThe LORD said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel at which both the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.
12verseIn that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even to the end.
13verseFor I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves, and he didn’t restrain them.
14verseTherefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be removed with sacrifice or offering forever.”
15verseSamuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the LORD’s house. Samuel was afraid to show Eli the vision.
16verseThen Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!” He said, “Here I am.”
17verseHe said, “What is the thing that he has spoken to you? Please don’t hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that he spoke to you.”
18verseSamuel told him every bit, and hid nothing from him. He said, “It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him.”
19verseSamuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.
20verseAll Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.
21verseThe LORD appeared again in Shiloh; for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the LORD’s word.
Summary of Structure and Flow
- Verses 1-3: The text emphasizes that Samuel was serving God in Eli’s presence, and that it was a time when God’s word was scarce.
- Verses 4-10: God calls Samuel, but Samuel does not recognize the voice at first. With Eli’s advice, Samuel finally responds to God’s voice.
- Verses 11-18: God reveals to Samuel the judgment that would come upon Eli’s household. Hesitating at first, Samuel delivers that message to Eli.
- Verses 19-21: Then it shows that Samuel grows into a prophet whom all Israel comes to recognize.
Overall Meaning and Message
1 Samuel 3 shows that during a time when God’s voice was rare, God speaks through faithful people. It reminds us that God’s call can come regardless of a person’s age or status, and that obedience to that call is important. By contrasting the decline of Eli’s family with Samuel’s calling, it emphasizes that God is preparing for a new era. At the same time, it conveys the message that when God’s word can be heard, it is important to respond with a sincere heart.
Meditation Points
- Let’s remember that God can call us regardless of our qualifications or position.
- As we think about hearing God’s voice, we can reflect on whether we have a sensitive attitude and a willingness to obey.
- Even in spiritually stagnant times, we can see hope that God speaks and begins new work.
Applying It to Me
- When God speaks to me, I want to check how I am responding.
- In the life of the community or individual that I belong to, I can consider whether I value “God’s word.”
- Set your heart to serve with care, even if it is something small, when God assigns it to you.
