First Samuel 3:1-10, 17-21 Notes

1 Samuel 3:1-21 - EXEGESIS (Donovan)

CONTEXT: First Samuel begins with an account of Hannah, the wife of Elkanah. While much beloved, Hannah was unable to conceive children, a fact that caused her great anguish. She went to the temple at Shiloh to pray for God's help. In her fervent prayer, she vowed, "Yahweh of Armies, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid, and remember me, and not forget your handmaid, but will give to your handmaid a boy, then I will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life, and no razor shall come on his head" (1:11).

The Lord heard her prayer and she bore a child whom she named Samuel. Once Samuel was weaned (about age three), she took him to the temple, saying, "I have granted him to Yahweh. As long as he lives he is granted to Yahweh" (1:28). She then prayed a prayer that would later serve as a model for Mary's Magnificat (2:1-10; Luke 1:46-55).

The story then shifts to the story of Eli's wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas (1:11-17), who "despised the offering of Yahweh" (2:17). Eli failed to take proper corrective action with his sons (1:22-25). Their lives contrast dramatically with that of young Samuel, who "grew on, and increased in favor both with Yahweh, and also with men"-words that Luke will later apply to Jesus (2:26; Luke 2:52).

Then "a man of God" rebukes Eli for failing to correct his sons. He says that God will cut off Eli and his family (2:27-36). The text does not call the man a prophet, even though he is performing a prophetic ministry. In this book, Samuel is the prophet.

The lectionary makes verses 11-20 optional, but the preacher would do well to include them-and verse 21 as well. In this story, God raises up Samuel to replace weak Eli and his corrupt sons-and makes abundant the word of the Lord, which has been rare during Eli's tenure (3:1). Read the whole chapter to capture the power of this story.

1 SAMUEL 3:1. THE CHILD SAMUEL MINISTERED TO YAHWEH BEFORE ELI

2 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent.

"The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli" (v. 1a). We don't know how old Samuel is at this point, but he is probably an adolescent or a young man. The last we heard was that he "grew on, and increased in favor both with Yahweh, and also with men" (2:26).
▪ There are two significant phrases in this part of this verse. First, Samuel is ministering to the Lord-doing what Hannah promised God that he would do. Secondly, he is doing so under Eli's supervision. Eli is a deeply flawed priest and his days are numbered, but he is still the priest in charge of the temple at Shiloh.

"The word of Yahweh was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision" (v. 1b). While this verse does not explicitly link the scarcity of God's word with the prophecy against Eli and his household (2:22-36), it is clear that they are linked. Eli and his sons have not been faithful, so God has withheld his word.
▪ But God has not absented himself permanently. He is about to appoint Samuel as prophet, and Samuel will bring the word of the Lord to the people.

1 SAMUEL 3:2-4. SAMUEL LAID DOWN IN THE TEMPLE OF YAHWEH

2 It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), 3 and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, 4 that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, "Here I am."

"It happened at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see)" (v. 2). In verse 1, we learned that "the word of Yahweh was precious" and "there was no frequent vision". Now we learn that Eli's eyesight has grown dim so that cannot see. This almost certainly speaks to Eli's spiritual as well as his physical vision.

"and the lamp of God hadn't yet gone out" (v. 3a). Once again, given the context, this is likely to be more than a simple reference to the state of the lamp in the temple. Visions are not widespread (v. 1)-and Eli's vision is dim (v. 2)-and this lamp is still burning but is about to go out.
▪ However, even though these words have symbolic value, they might also tell us the time of day. The priests are to keep the lamp burning from evening until morning (Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:1-4). This verse suggests that it is early morning.
▪ But the fact that the lamp has not yet gone out is hopeful. The word of God has been absent and there haven't been many visions. Eli is old and weak and nearly blind. But the lamp, however dim, is still burning. God has not abandoned this place or these people.

"and Samuel had laid down in the temple of Yahweh, where the ark of God was" (v. 3b). The ark of God is the Ark of the Covenant-a chest made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It is 2.5 cubits (45 inches or 114 cm) by 1.5 cubits (27 inches or 69 cm) by 1.5 cubits. It contains the tablets of the Ten Commandments as well as Aaron's rod and a golden urn filled with manna. On top of the ark, two cherubim guard a gold mercy seat-God's throne. The ark is the holiest object in Israel, and symbolizes the presence of God.
▪ So when young Samuel sleeps near the ark of God, he is sleeping in the presence of God. Eli is sleeping elsewhere, not too distant. No telling where Eli's rascal sons are sleeping-or with whom!
"that Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, 'Here I am'" (v. 4). God calls Samuel's name, and Samuel replies, "Here I am!" In some translations, God says, "Samuel, Samuel." This formula is used in several significant calls.
• The angel called, "Abraham, Abraham" to stop Abraham from slaying Isaac, and Abraham responded, "Here I am!" (Genesis 22:11).
• God called, "Jacob, Jacob" to promise to make of him a great nation, and Jacob responded, "Here I am!" (Genesis 46:2).
• God called, "Moses, Moses" from the burning bush, and Moses responded, "Here I am!" (Ex, 3:4).

1 SAMUEL 3:5-7. "HERE I AM; FOR YOU CALLED ME."

5 Then he 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. 6 The LORD called yet again, "Samuel!" So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he answered, "I did not call, my son, lie down again." 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him.

"He 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" (v. 5). Samuel thinks that he has heard Eli's voice, so he goes to Eli. But Eli sends him back to bed.

"Yahweh 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'" (v. 6). This repeats the events of verses 4-5, except that God calls Samuel's name only once.

"Now Samuel didn't yet know Yahweh, neither was the word of Yahweh yet revealed to him" (v. 7). Hannah dedicated Samuel to lifelong service to the Lord, and he surely knows that. He has been working in the temple for some time-probably several years-so he knows who Yahweh is. But something is missing. God has not yet revealed himself to Samuel in the way that he soon will. At this moment, Samuel knows God in the same way as the rest of devout Israel. Soon, he will know the Lord and the Lord's word as God's prophet.

1 SAMUEL 3:8-9. ELI PERCEIVED THAT YAHWEH HAD CALLED THE CHILD

8 So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 And Eli said to Samuel, "Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

"Yahweh called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am; for you called me.'Eli perceived that Yahweh had called the child" (v. 8). After being awakened for the third time, Eli begins to understand that something special is happening. It occurs to Eli that the Lord might be calling Samuel.

"Therefore Eli said to Samuel, 'Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, "Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears."' So Samuel went and lay down in his place" (v. 9). Eli failed his own sons-failed to practice tough love when it was needed-but he does not fail Samuel. His intuition that God is calling Samuel is correct, and he advises Samuel well.

1 SAMUEL 3:10. SPEAK; FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS

10 Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening."

"Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak; for your servant hears'" (v. 10). Once again the Lord calls Samuel's name twice. This time Samuel answers, "Speak; for your servant hears." It is the right response. Samuel acknowledges his servant status before the Lord. He also acknowledges the Lord's right to speak and Samuel's need to listen.

1 SAMUEL 3:17-21. THUS SAMUEL GREW AND THE LORD WAS TITH HIM

17 He said, "What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you." 18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him." 19 Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. 20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. 21 And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

"He 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'" (v. 17). Eli has heard the rebuke and devastating prophecy of the man of God (2:27-36). He knows that the Lord has revealed something to Samuel, and can imagine that it has to concerns him. A thousand possibilities must be going through his mind-all of them fearful-but he needs to hear the truth. He pronounces a curse on Samuel if Samuel fails to tell him everything.

"Samuel told him every bit, and hid nothing from him" (v. 18a). This is the great test of Samuel's prophetic calling-the most difficult thing that he has ever been called to do or will ever be called to do. Young Samuel rises to the occasion, telling Eli everything that he has heard.

"He (Eli) said, 'It is Yahweh. Let him do what seems good to him'" (v. 18b). Eli knows that his sons have committed terrible sins, and he knows that he is shares their guilt. He has failed as a father and as a priest. His conscience is weighing heavily on him. He is therefore able to accept God's judgment as just and right. It is a graceful note at the end of a sadly flawed life.

NOTE: The next chapter will tell us of the capture of the ark by the Philistines-and the deaths of thirty thousand Israelites, including Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas (4:2-11). It will also tell us of the death of Eli, who upon hearing of the great catastrophe, "fell from off his seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck broke, and he died; for he was an old man, and heavy" (4:18). It will also tell us of the death of Phinehas' wife in a difficult childbirth prompted by news of the catastrophe (4:19-22). Before dying, she names her baby Ichabod, meaning, "The glory has departed from Israel" (4:21).

"Samuel grew, and Yahweh was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground" (v. 19). God is present in Samuel's life and in his words. Samuel has been faithful to God, so God blesses his words and his works.

"All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Yahweh" (v. 20). Dan and Beersheba are respectively the northernmost and southernmost cities of Israel, so from Dan to Beersheba is a conventional way of saying "throughout the whole land." "The real climax of this passage comes in the final notice that identifies Samuel as the Lord's fully authorized prophet" (Birch).

"Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh; for Yahweh revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of Yahweh" (v. 21). This verse is not in the lectionary reading, but is a fitting end to this story.

1 Sam. 3:1-10, 17-21 - EW Commentary

A. Samuel is unable to recognize God's voice.

1. (1 Sam. 3:1) The scarcity of revelation in Israel.

1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent.

a. The boy Samuel ministered to the LORD: For the third time it is emphasized that Samuel ministered to the LORD (also in 1 Samuel 2:11 and 18), just as Aaron and his sons at their consecration as priests (Exodus 29:1) and just like Paul and Barnabas before being sent out as missionaries (Acts 13:1-2).

b. The word of the LORD was rare in those days: The only word of the LORD we read of in the first two chapters of 1 Samuel is the word of judgment brought by the man of God against Eli. God didn't speak often, and when He did, it was a word of judgment!
i. Why was the word of the LORD rare in those days? Probably, because of the hardness of heart among the people of Israel and the corruption of the priesthood. God will speak, and guide, when His people seek Him, and when His ministers seek to serve Him diligently.

2. (1 Sam, 3:2-4) God's first words to Samuel.

2 It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), 3 and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, 4 that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, "Here I am."

a. His eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see: This was true spiritually of Eli, as much as it was physically. His old age had made him less able to effectively lead the nation.

b. Before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD: As a figure of speech, this simply means "before dawn." But it is also suggestive of the dark spiritual times of Israel: it is dark, and will probably get darker.
i. Exodus 27:21 refers to the responsibility of the priests to tend the lamps until sunrise, or just before dawn.

c. While Samuel was laying down to sleep, that the LORD called Samuel: How old was Samuel at this time? We don't know for certain; the ancient Jewish historian Josephus says Samuel was 12 years old at the time. However old he was, God spoke to Samuel.
i. How does God speak? How did He speak to Samuel? Some people wait for God to speak in a audible voice, and others (some of them mentally disturbed) believe they hear God speaking in an audible voice. But most people believe God speaks to them by an "inner voice"; by the thoughts and feelings which may come into our hearts and our heads, which one believes are prompted by God.
ii. But this hearing from God is an uncertain business. God is not the only source of thoughts and feelings coming into our hearts and heads. Thoughts or feelings (good or bad) can come from ourselves, or they can also come from Satan. Peter, in Matthew 16:13-23, was at one moment speaking from God, and at the next moment speaking directly from the Devil.
iii. Because it is uncertain, there are three things to keep in mind. First, we must always judge what we think God may be telling us by what He has certainly told us in His Word, the Bible. God will never contradict His eternal Word. Second, we should always be humble when it comes to the idea of God speaking to us. We can never completely trust our ability to hear from God by this "inner voice" accurately. It is easy for us to add something to what God has said, or to stop listening, or to misapply what He has said, or to think that it was God when it was ourselves or something else. It is far better to say and think, "I think the LORD told me ..." than to talk and think as if you hear God perfectly. Finally, no one should feel "unspiritual" because they think God does not speak to them the way He seems to others. If you really want God to speak to you, and to speak to you the best way, get into God's Word, the Bible! We know He has spoken there!

d. And he answered, "Here I am!" This leads us to believe God spoke to Samuel in an audible voice, instead of in an "inner voice," though this is not certain. But Samuel was so impressed by what he heard, he responded by saying, Here I am!
i. What a beautiful way to respond to God's Word! It isn't that God does not know where we are before we tell Him, but it tells God and it reminds us we are simply before Him as servants, asking what He wants us to do.
ii. Samuel is in pretty impressive company with this response to God. Here are some others who said, Here I am when the LORD spoke to them: Abraham (Genesis 22:1), Jacob (Genesis 46:2), Moses (Exodus 3:4), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8), and Ananias (Acts 9:10).

3. (1 Sam. 3:5-9) Samuel doesn't recognize God voice.

5 Then he 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. 6 The LORD called yet again, "Samuel!" So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he answered, "I did not call, my son, lie down again." 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him. 8 So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 And Eli said to Samuel, "Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

a. He ran to Eli: What an obedient boy! He is wrong in thinking Eli was speaking to him, but he was right in what he did. If Eli was calling, he would run to Eli! After all, Eli was blind and might need Samuel's help.

b. And the LORD called yet again: When speaking to us, God almost always confirms His word again and again. It is generally wrong to do something dramatic in response to a single "inner voice" from the LORD. If God is speaking, He will confirm, and often in a variety of ways.

c. Samuel did not yet know the LORD: Here is Samuel, a godly, obedient boy, serving God wonderfully. Yet, he has not yet given his heart to the LORD. Even children raised in the most godly home must be converted by the Spirit of God, and Samuel now is hearing God speak to his heart.

d. Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears: Samuel is given wise counsel by Eli. Eli tells Samuel to make himself available for God to speak (Go, lie down); he tells Samuel to not be presumptuous about God speaking (if He calls you); he tells Samuel to respond to the word of God (Speak, LORD); and he tells Samuel to humble himself before God and His word (Your servant hears).

e. Speak, LORD: We must hear from God. The preacher may speak, our parents may speak, our friends may speak, our teachers may speak, people on the radio or television may speak. That is all fine, but their voices mean nothing for eternity unless God speaks through them.
i. Spurgeon expressed this well, by showing how one should pray: "'Speak, Lord!' While the minister is speaking, Lord do thou speak. I have heard the minister's voice, and sometimes it awakens me, but I am not saved, and I never shall be, Lord, if the minister speaks alone. Speak, Lord! My mother has talked with me; my earnest teacher has sought to lead me to the Saviour; but I know that the words of blessed men and women will fall to the ground if they come alone ... Oh, let it be to-night a real work of grace in my soul! Let divine power come and operate upon me."

B. God's message to Samuel.

1. (1 Sam. 3:10) Samuel responds just as Eli told him.

10 Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening."

a. Then the LORD came and stood and called: Because it seems to have been an audible voice, and because it says the LORD stood, it may be that this was a unique appearing of the LORD to Samuel, perhaps in the person of Jesus before Bethlehem. Clearly, this was not a dream or a state of altered consciousness.

3. (1 Sam. 3:17-18) Samuel tells Eli the message from God.

17 He said, "What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you." 18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him."

d. What is the thing that the LORD has said to you? Eli had an idea of what the message of God to Samuel was. Kindly, he takes the initiative and asks Samuel, knowing it would be difficult for the young man to tell him.
i. "He suspected that God had threatened severe judgments, for he knew that his house was very criminal; and he wished to know what God had spoken." (Clarke)
ii. Eli made it clear to Samuel he had the responsibility to bring the message, even if it was bad news. With a threat like God do so to you, and more also, Samuel would be suitably motivated to tell Eli everything.
iii. Eli was admirable, because he was willing to be taught from an unexpected source, he wanted to hear the bad news of his condition, and he wanted to hear all of God's message.

e. Then Samuel told him everything: How hard it is to bring a message of judgment! There may be a few, with hard hearts (like Jonah) who are happy to announce God's judgment, but most find it difficult. Yet, it is always the responsibility of God's messenger to bring everything God says, not just the "easy" words.
i. It is a dangerous thing, both for the messenger and the hearers, when the messenger fails to tell everything God says. In the prophets, God says those who only bring a "good" or "happy" message seduce God's people: Because they have seduced My people, saying, "Peace!" when there is no peace (Ezekiel 13:10). God also says the messenger who doesn't say everything God says doesn't help his listeners: They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, "Peace, peace!" When there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:14)
ii. Paul could say of his own ministry, Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:26-27) Can the modern messenger of God say the same thing? If he cannot, he risks being guilty of the lives of others.
iii. "I cannot bear to be cast away for ever from the presence of God; yet this woe will be unto me if I preach not the gospel, and do not declare the whole counsel of God. The result of sin and unbelief in others will fall on us if we do not warn them. O sirs, if we are unfaithful, God will deal with us at the day of judgment, as he will deal with the wicked; this is an awful outlook for us. May we never dare to tone down the more severe parts of the story, and flatter men in their sins; for if we do this, God will mete out to us a portion with the condemned!" (Spurgeon)
iv. "Bitter truths must be spoken, however they be taken; and if ministers be mannerly in the form, yet in the matter of their message let them be resolute." (Trapp)

f. It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him: It is hard to know if Eli's response here is godly, or fatalistic. If is the submissive response of a heart that knows there is nothing which can stop God's judgment, his response is godly. But if he is missing another opportunity to repent, and get things right, and instead having the fatalistic, "whatever" kind of heart, his response is ungodly. Only God knows where Eli's heart was in this matter.
i. We should always submit to God's rod of correction. Yet, that submissive is not totally passive. It is also active in repentance, and doing what one can to cultivate a godly sorrow.
ii. "There is much of a godly submission, as well as a deep sense of his own unworthiness, found in these words. He had sinned, so as to be punished with temporal death; but surely there is no evidence that there is no evidence that the displeasure of the Lord against him extended to a future state." (Clarke)
iii. Trapp says this was "a humble submission to his heavenly Father: for if Eli had been an ill father to his sons, yet he was a good son to God."

C. Samuel matures and is established as a prophet.

1. (1 Sam. 3:19-21) Samuel grows, maturing physically and spiritually.

19 Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. 20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. 21 And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

a. The LORD was with him: Is there anything better than this? To have, and to know you have, the LORD with you? For the Christian, we can know we have God with us: If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)
i. William Newell, in his commentary on Romans, speaks well to this point: "Our weak hearts, prone to legalism and unbelief, receive these words with great difficulty: God is for us ... They have failed Him; but He is for them. They are ignorant; but He is for them. They have not yet brought forth much fruit; but He is for them." God is not for us because we are so good, or so great, but because of who we are in Jesus. God is for you. God is with you, even if you are not as good as Samuel, because you have given to you the goodness of Jesus.

b. Let none of his words fail: This means all of Samuel's prophecies came to pass, and were known to be true words from God. Therefore, all Israel ... knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the LORD.
i. Since the days of Moses (some four hundred years before the time of Samuel) there have not been many prophets in Israel, and certainly no great prophets. Now, at this important time in Israel's history, God raises up Samuel as a prophet.
ii. Coming in this place in Israel's history, Samuel is rightly seen as Israel's last judge and first prophet. Samuel bridges the gap between the time of the judges, and the time of the monarchy when prophets (such as Nathan, Elijah, and Isaiah) spiritually influenced the nation.
iii. Through the book of judges, when God raised up a judge, he led the nation mostly through political and military influence. Samuel, as a judge, mainly led the nation by his spiritual influence.

c. From Dan to Beersheba is a way of saying "from northernmost Israel to southernmost Israel." It carries a similar idea as saying in the United States, "from New York to California."

d. The LORD appeared again in Shiloh: When did the LORD first appear in Shiloh? We know He appeared to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10. Now, in some indescribable way, the LORD appears again.

e. As the LORD appeared again, how did He reveal Himself? The LORD revealed Himself ... by the word of the LORD. God reveals Himself by His word. Whenever God is moving, He will reveal Himself by the word of the LORD.

1 Sam. 3:1-10, 17-21 - Extra Commentary

1 Samuel 3:1 "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."

"The child Samuel": Samuel was no longer a child (2:21, 26). While Jewish historian Josephus suggested he was 12 years of age, he was probably a teenager at this time. The same Hebrew term translated here "boy" was used of David when he slew goliath (17:33).

Samuel lived at a time when prophets rarely spoke to Israel. The Israelites' hearts were hard, and the Lord knew they would not listen.

"Word of the Lord was precious": The time of the judges was a period of extremely limited prophetic activity. The few visions that God did give were not widely known.

"Visions": A divine revelation mediated through an auditory or visual encounter.

The severity of Israel's apostasy (Judges 21:25), caused a dearth of God's revelatory work. The condition was perpetuating and self-defeating (Prov. 29:18). By God's grace, the prophetic institution would receive renewed impetus and standardization in the person and work of "Samuel" (3:21; 19:20).

The idea of the "Word of the LORD being precious" means that there was very little of the Word of God spoken to men in those days. This made the thing that happens to Samuel in this lesson, even more special. "Vision", in this particular verse above, means seeing something in the spirit that those around you do not see. This type of vision had not happened in a long time. We will see both of these things happen to Samuel here. From birth, he had been dedicated to God.

1 Samuel 3:2 "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;"

The passage should be rendered thus: "And it came to pass at that time that Eli was sleeping in his place; and his eyes had begun to grow dim; he could not see. And the lamp of God was not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the Ark of God was; and the Lord called Samuel, etc."

Eli's old age and dimness of sight is probably mentioned as the reason why Samuel thought Eli had called him. Being a blind and feeble old man, he was likely to do so if he wanted anything, either for himself, or for the service of the temple.

We do not know the exact age of Samuel or of Eli here. We do know that the sight of Eli had deteriorated. His physical and his spiritual sight had deteriorated. We know the LORD did not like him overlooking the sins of his sons. The fact that the eyes had gradually gotten dim, indicate that his blindness is from his age.

1 Samuel 3:3 "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];"

"The lamp of God went out in the temple": The golden lampstand, located in the Holy Place of the tabernacle, was filled with olive oil and lit at twilight (Exodus 30:8). The lamp was kept burning from evening until morning (Exodus 27:20-21). Just before dawn, while the golden lampstand was still burning, Samuel was called to his prophetic ministry.

"The Ark": The "Ark" at Shiloh apparently was housed in some type of permanent structure (verse 15). The "lamp" was situated outside of the veil in the Holy Place and burned from evening until morning (Lev. 24:3; see Exodus 25:10-22).

We know that the lamp of God was never to go out in the tabernacle where the Ark was. One of the duties of the priest was to fill the lamp with oil twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This was to be a perpetual light. Samuel lay down to sleep, because it was night.

1 Samuel 3:4 "That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I."

By a voice which came forth from the most holy place, from between the cherubim, the seat of the divine Majesty:

"And he answered, here am I": Which was not intended to declare the place where he was, but to express his readiness and cheerfulness to do anything that was required of him.

We can safely assume that Samuel had never heard the voice of God at this time. He answered "Here am I", when he heard his name, thinking it was Eli calling him. He had served Eli all of his life. He is probably, still under 12 years old at this point or perhaps was just 12. We know he is still a youth.

1 Samuel 3:5 "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."

He got out of his bed as fast as he could, and put on his clothes, and ran with all haste to the apartment where Eli lay, supposing he wanted some immediate assistance, which he was there ready to give him to the utmost of his ability; and he made the more haste, as knowing his age and infirmities, and being desirous, out of affection to him, to help him as soon as possible.

"For thou calledst me": He took it to be the voice of Eli, partly because there was no other man in the tabernacle, it being in the middle of the night, or early in the morning, before the doors were opened, or any of the priests were come in to minister, and partly because the voice might be very much like Eli's, and which was done to direct him to him.

"And he said, I called not, lie down again": He signified he wanted nothing, and so had no occasion to call him, nor had he, but bid him go to bed again, and sleep quietly.

"And he went and lay down": And very probably fell asleep again.

The commitment that had been made on Samuel's life had been made by Samuel's mother. Perhaps, it is time for Samuel to decide for himself. Eli had no idea at first, that this was the LORD calling Samuel. We know the condition of Eli's sons and the LORD was angry with Eli, as well. They had not heard the voice of God, and now, Samuel hears God but thinks it is Eli calling.

1 Samuel 3:6 "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."

Called him a second time by his name, with a like audible voice as before.

"And Samuel arose, and went to Eli": Did not run as before, being perhaps more thoughtful of this affair that he should be called a second time, and careful not to awake Eli, should he be mistaken again, and find him asleep.

"And said, here am I, for thou didst call me": Perceiving that he was awake, he desired to know what he wanted, and he was ready to help him; for he was now certain of it that he did call him:

"And he answered, I called not, my son, lie down again": By this appellation, my son, he expresses his affection to him, and signifies he took it kindly that he should show such readiness to do anything for him and would not have him be discouraged and abashed, because he was mistaken, but return to his bed and rest again.

This reminds me of the way God calls all of us to be his sons. He calls and we do not recognize His voice at first. Sometimes He calls several times, before we even realize it is God calling. Again, this second time, Samuel hears the voice and mistakes it for Eli's voice. He runs to serve Eli, but Eli had not called him. Notice Eli calls him son here as he had been as a son to Eli.

1 Samuel 3:7 "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him."

"Samuel did not yet know the Lord": Samuel had not yet encountered the Lord in a personal way, nor had he received God's Word by divine revelation (see 2:12).

Even though he had learned about Him his whole life, knowing about God is not the same as a personal relationship with Him.

Babies are many times dedicated to the LORD by their parents. This does not save the person. All a dedication does, is a promise by the parents to raise the child in the ways of God. When a person comes to the age, that they are responsible enough to make their own decisions, they must come to God themselves. We call it the age of accountability.

We know that Samuel had been raised right, but now, he must make his own decision to follow God. He did know of God, because he had worked in the sanctuary. He did not know the LORD personally, however. He did not know the Word of God either. Notice, the word "revealed", in the verse above. We can read the Word of God, and still not know what it means, until it is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.

1 Samuel 3:8 "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."

The whole story of the eventful night is told so naturally, the supernatural wonderfully interwoven with the common life of the sanctuary, that we forget, as we read, the strangeness of the events recorded. The sleeping child is awakened by a voice uttering his name. He naturally supposes it is his half-blind old master summoning him. The same thing occurs a second and a third time. Then it flashed upon Eli the boy had had no dream.

We can well fancy the old man, when Samuel again came in, asking, "Where did the voice you thought was mine come from?" and the boy would reply, "From your chamber, master." And the old high priest would remember that in the same direction, only at the extremity of the sanctuary, behind the veil, was the Ark and the seat of God. Was, then, the glory of the Lord shining there? And did the voice as in old days proceed from that sacred golden throne? So he told his pupil; go to his chamber again, and if the voice spoke to him again, to answer, not Eli, but the invisible King "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth."

"Eli perceived": Eli was slow to recognize that God was calling Samuel. This indicates that Eli's spiritual perception was not what it should have been as the priest and judge of Israel (see also 1:12-16).

We see from this that the LORD continued to call, until somehow, Samuel could know this was the LORD calling. Eli finally realizes that this is the LORD calling Samuel. We must remember that Eli was the only spiritual leader that Samuel had had.

We must never discount the fact that God might be speaking to someone. When they tell us something has happened to them, we who teach must listen carefully to what they are saying. Then we may give our opinion. Now we see that Eli realizes this is the LORD. Eli still understood about visions and Words from God. The man of God had spoken to Eli you remember.

1 Samuel 3:9 "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."

Once more:

"And it shall be, if he call thee": The voice, or the Lord by it.

"That thou shalt say, speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth": His meaning is, that he should not rise and come to him, as he had done, but continue on his bed, on hearing the voice again, but desire the Lord to speak to him what he had to say, to which he was ready to attend.

"So Samuel went and lay down in his place": Which, is commonly understood, was in the court of the Levites (see 1 Sam. 3:3).

Now, Eli explains to Samuel how to answer this voice. We see from this, that Samuel was obedient to Eli. He tells Samuel exactly what to say when the voice calls him.

1 Samuel 3:10 "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

God's call to Samuel came with greater intensity each time. This last time He called his name twice, a signal that this was a crucial moment. Other people whom God called by repeating their names include Abraham (Gen. 22:11), Jacob (Gen 46:2), and Moses (Exodus 3:4).

"Thy servant heareth": "To hear with interest," or "to hear so as to obey."

This means that while Samuel was fully awake, the presence of the LORD came into the room where Samuel was and spoke to him. The other times, there had just been a voice. This time the presence is in the room with Samuel. Samuel does not call the presence by name, because he is not acquainted with Him.

1 Samuel 3:17 "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."

"God do so to thee, and more also": This is an oath of imprecation. Eli called down God's judgment on Samuel if he refused to tell everything he knew.

Eli's charge to Samuel is phrased in the familiar oath formula of the ancient Near East.

From the statement Eli made here, we can see that he knew this was to be news of the same thing the man of God had said to him. He knows it is not good news or Samuel would have been anxious to tell him. Samuel knows he must tell him.

Verses 18-19: The Lord's message to Samuel is the same one Eli received from the man of God (in 2:26-36). The similarity of the two messages confirms the authenticity of Samuel's. God "let none of his words fall to the ground" means that all of Samuel's prophecies, delivered to him by God, came true, further confirmation of his prophetic office.

1 Samuel 3:18 "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."

"Let him do what seemeth him good": Eli resigned himself to divine sovereignty, without reluctance.

Samuel obeyed Eli, and told everything the LORD had told him. Eli already knew in his heart what he had said. He humbly accepts the punishment of the LORD upon himself and upon his sons.

1 Samuel 3:19 "And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground."

"The Lord was with him": The Lord's presence was with Samuel, as it would be later with David (16:18; 18:12). The Lord's presence validated His choice of a man for His service.

"Let none of his words fall": Everything Samuel said with divine authorization came true. This fulfillment of Samuel's word proved that he was a true prophet of God (see Deut. 18:21-22).

In this one sentence, Samuel grew from a youth to a man. He was not an idle talker. All of his words were for a good purpose. He only spoke, when the words were of use to the LORD.

1 Samuel 3:20 "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD."

"From Dan even to Beer-sheba": serves as a familiar geographic description for all Israel from its northern to its southern limits.

"Dan even to Beer-sheba": The traditional limits of the land of Israel from the north to the south.

"Prophet of the Lord": Samuel's status as a spokesman of God's message was acknowledged by all throughout Israel.

Samuel was not only a prophet of God, but the last of the judges, as well. He was such a Godly man, that all knew he was called of God. We know that Eli, probably told everyone about why Samuel was living with him, instead of with his mother and father. He perhaps, even told of the call of the LORD to Samuel. He probably had turned many of his duties over to Samuel.

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."

In the tabernacle there; he had appeared before to Samuel, when he called him, and declared to him what he designed and resolved to do to Eli and his family, and now appeared again to him in the same place before the battle of the Israelites with the Philistines, of which there is an account in the following chapter. Such appearances had not been usual in Shiloh for a long time, but were now renewed and repeated.

"For the Lord revealed himself to Samuel by the Word of the Lord": By Christ, the Word of the Lord, who appeared to him, it is probable, in a human form, as he was wont to do to the patriarchs and prophets. And by whom the Lord revealed his mind and will unto them, being the Angel of his presence, and the messenger of his covenant. Or by giving him a word of command to be delivered by him to the children of Israel, and which is expressed and delivered, in the next chapter.

The Ark was at Shiloh in the tabernacle. The Ark symbolized the presence of the LORD. This had not been just in a symbolic form that Samuel had heard the voice of the LORD. It was, in fact, the presence of the LORD that spoke to Samuel. The Word of God is Jesus Christ. We know this revelation of Himself in His Word, is what this is speaking of. Samuel's spiritual eyes were opened, and he understood the Scriptures.