1 Samuel 3
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1The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. Yahweh’s word was precious in those days. There were not many visions, then. 2At that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see), 3and God’s lamp hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in Yahweh’s temple, where God’s ark was; 4Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” 5He 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. 6Yahweh 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.” 7Now Samuel didn’t yet know Yahweh, neither was Yahweh’s word yet revealed to him. 8Yahweh 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. 9Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. 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. 10Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.” 11Yahweh said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even to the end. 13For 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. 14Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be removed with sacrifice or offering forever.” 15Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of Yahweh’s house. Samuel feared to show Eli the vision. 16Then Eli called Samuel, and said, “Samuel, my son!” He said, “Here I am.” 17He 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.” 18Samuel told him every bit, and hid nothing from him. He said, “It is Yahweh. Let him do what seems good to him.” 19Samuel grew, and Yahweh was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Yahweh. 21Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh; for Yahweh revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by Yahweh’s word.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And 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.””
1 Samuel 3:11
Summary
In 1 Samuel chapter 3, the young boy Samuel, serving in the temple under the priest Eli, experiences a profound encounter with God. During a time when prophetic words were rare, God calls Samuel in the night, though Samuel initially mistakes the divine voice for that of Eli. After several attempts, Eli recognizes that the Lord is speaking to Samuel and instructs him to respond appropriately. This marks Samuel's first prophetic call, establishing him as a key figure in Israel's spiritual leadership. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of listening for God's voice and responding in obedience, highlighting Samuel's readiness to serve the Lord's will. God reveals to Samuel that He is about to judge Eli's family due to their corrupt practices, thus illustrating the theme of divine judgment and the serious consequences of disobedience. Samuel's initial fear in sharing this revelation with Eli shows the burden of prophetic responsibility, yet it also underscores the importance of faithful communication of God's message. As Samuel grows, the Lord continues to be with him, affirming his role as a prophet and the transition of leadership in Israel. The chapter is significant for its portrayal of God calling unlikely leaders and the importance of mentoring in spiritual development. Eli's guidance in teaching Samuel how to respond to God reflects the communal aspect of faith, where established leaders play a role in nurturing the next generation. Samuel's obedient response to God's call exemplifies the ideal posture of faith—listening attentively and ready to act. 1 Samuel 3 serves as a reminder of God's ongoing communication with His people and challenges readers to cultivate a receptive heart toward divine instruction. It highlights the call to prophetic ministry and sets the stage for the significant role Samuel will play in the history of Israel.
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