About 1 Samuel

1 Samuel records the transition from judges to monarchy, including Samuel's ministry, Saul's rise and fall, and David's anointing.

Author: Samuel, Nathan, GadWritten: c. 1050-900 BCReading time: ~3 minVerses: 21
TransitionKingshipObedienceRejectionGod's SovereigntyHeart

Places in This Chapter

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Beersheba 1(Settlement)Dan(Settlement)Shiloh(Settlement)

King James Version

1 Samuel 3

21 verses with commentary

The Lord Calls Samuel

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.

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The chapter opens with spiritual famine: 'the word of the LORD was precious [rare] in those days; there was no open vision.' Samuel's ministry to Eli occurs amid prophetic silence. The term 'precious' (yaqar) indicates scarcity - prophetic revelation was so unusual that it was treasured when it came. The absence of 'open vision' (chazon niphrats) means God was not breaking through with revelation. This silence was judgment for the corruption described in chapter 2. Yet into this spiritual darkness, God speaks to a child, initiating a new era of prophetic ministry.
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;

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The physical setting carries symbolic weight. Eli lies in his place with dimming eyes - both literal and spiritual blindness. His inability to see represents his inability to perceive God's activity. The aging priest who cannot see contrasts with the young boy who will soon receive divine vision. Eli's 'place' (maqom) suggests fixed, static position, while Samuel's movement throughout the narrative shows responsiveness. Leadership calcified into immobility; new vision comes through youthful availability.
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;

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The lamp of God 'not yet gone out' indicates the time just before dawn when the lampstand's oil was nearly exhausted. This liminal moment - between darkness and light - becomes the setting for divine revelation. Samuel sleeps 'where the ark of God was' - in or near the Most Holy Place. The child rests in God's presence, available even in sleep. The detail 'ere the lamp went out' may symbolize prophetic light not quite extinguished, flickering but still burning. God speaks just before the darkness becomes complete.
4

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

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The divine call is simple and personal: 'Samuel.' God knows and speaks the name given by Hannah, meaning 'heard of God.' The boy's response 'Here am I' (hinneni) uses the classic formula of availability seen throughout Scripture (Abraham in Genesis 22:1; Moses in Exodus 3:4; Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8). Samuel's response is correct but misdirected - he assumes Eli is calling. Hearing God's voice requires learning to recognize it, distinguishing it from human voices and internal thoughts. Samuel's training has only begun.
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.

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Samuel's immediate running to Eli shows his servant's heart and responsiveness. He naturally assumes the familiar voice is his elderly mentor. Eli's denial ('I called not') is truthful but initially uncomprehending. His instruction to 'lie down again' reflects no spiritual insight yet. The repetition of Samuel's running and lying down demonstrates obedience even when confused. His pattern of immediate response to perceived calls shows the heart God can use. Correct hearing will follow correct availability.
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.

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The pattern repeats: God calls, Samuel runs to Eli, Eli denies calling. The phrase 'I called not, my son' adds paternal affection to the denial. Eli's tender address as 'my son' shows relational warmth even amid his failures. Samuel obeys again, returning to his place. The threefold pattern (this is the second of three calls) follows a common narrative structure that builds toward decisive moment. God's patience in calling repeatedly shows His commitment to communicate with those who genuinely seek to hear.
7

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. Now: or, Thus did Samuel before he knew the LORD, and before the word of the LORD was revealed unto him

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This parenthetical explanation is crucial: 'Samuel did not yet know the LORD.' The Hebrew yada' (know) implies experiential, relational knowledge. Samuel served at the sanctuary but had not yet encountered God personally. The parallel phrase 'the word of the LORD yet revealed' indicates Samuel had not received direct prophetic communication. Religious service and direct divine encounter are not identical. Many serve faithfully in religious contexts without experiencing personal revelation. Samuel's subsequent call would transform service into encounter.
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.

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By the third call, Eli finally perceives what is happening. The phrase 'Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child' indicates belated spiritual insight. Despite his general blindness, Eli retains enough discernment to recognize divine activity. His perception comes after three occurrences - perhaps he needed the pattern to become clear. Even failing leaders sometimes retain moments of spiritual clarity. Eli's recognition enables him to guide Samuel into proper response, contributing positively despite his compromised position.
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.

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Eli's instruction provides the proper response formula: 'Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.' This response positions Samuel correctly - as servant awaiting the Master's word. The structure reverses Samuel's earlier mistake of speaking before listening. Eli offers Samuel what he himself has apparently lost - knowledge of how to receive divine revelation. The instruction to 'lie down' indicates patient waiting; the response formula indicates humble receptivity. Eli's mentoring in this moment accomplishes something his years of compromised priesthood could not.
10

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

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The fourth encounter differs significantly: 'the LORD came, and stood.' This is not merely a voice but a presence. The phrase intensifies the divine encounter - God is present in a way He was not before. The doubled name 'Samuel, Samuel' signals urgency and affection (compare Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:4). Samuel responds with the shortened formula 'Speak; for thy servant heareth,' omitting 'LORD' - perhaps too overwhelmed by the Presence to add the name. The encounter has moved from calling to commissioning.

The Lord's Message to Samuel

11

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.

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The message God delivers is severe: 'I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.' Ear-tingling indicates shocking news, here specifying judgment. The phrase anticipates Jeremiah 19:3 and 2 Kings 21:12, where similar language introduces announcements of catastrophic judgment. Samuel's first prophetic message concerns the destruction of his mentor's house. God does not ease the young prophet into pleasant assignments but immediately confronts him with the weight of prophetic responsibility.
12

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. when: Heb. beginning and ending

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God confirms that the previously delivered prophecy (2:27-36) will now be fulfilled. The phrase 'when I begin, I will also make an end' emphasizes divine determination to complete announced judgment. This is not threat but settled decree. The reference to 'all things which I have spoken concerning his house' connects Samuel's revelation to the earlier unnamed prophet. Samuel's call validates the prior word while adding urgency - fulfillment is imminent. God accomplishes what He declares, from beginning to end.
13

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. For I: or, And I will tell him vile: or, accursed restrained: Heb. frowned not upon them

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The specific sin is restated: Eli knew his sons made themselves vile (cursed, treated with contempt) and 'restrained them not.' The Hebrew kahah (to rebuke, restrain) indicates the action Eli failed to take. He spoke (2:23-25) but did not act decisively. The sin requiring atonement is not merely the sons' wickedness but Eli's passive tolerance. His failure to exercise rightful authority constituted betrayal of both divine trust and parental responsibility. Those with power to restrain evil bear guilt when they fail to act.
14

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.

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The oath formula 'I have sworn unto the house of Eli' seals irrevocable judgment. The statement 'iniquity...shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever' is devastating - the very system Eli served cannot avail for his house. Their sin exceeded what the sacrificial system could address. This does not indicate a general failure of atonement but specific judgment on a particular house. The ordinary means of grace (sacrifice, offering) remain effective for others, but Eli's house is excluded. Only extraordinary divine mercy could help - and that would not come.
15

And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

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Samuel's response to the night's revelation is significant: he lay until morning, then opened the sanctuary doors - returning to normal duties. His fear to tell Eli the vision shows natural reluctance to deliver painful messages to beloved mentors. The word 'vision' (mar'ah) now applies to Samuel's experience, indicating he has received prophetic revelation. The young servant who 'did not yet know the LORD' (verse 7) has become one who sees visions. His faithful service continues even while processing traumatic prophetic content.
16

Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.

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Eli calls Samuel with paternal affection: 'Samuel, my son.' This tender address, coming from the one about whom judgment has been pronounced, intensifies the scene's pathos. Eli knows something has happened; his question indicates awareness that divine communication occurred. Samuel's response 'Here am I' (hinneni) echoes his earlier responses, now freighted with knowledge he fears to share. The relationship between aging mentor and young prophet must navigate the tension between affection and truth.
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. more also: Hebr. so add any thing: or, word

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Eli demands complete disclosure: 'hide not from me...God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing.' The self-imprecation formula invokes divine punishment on Samuel if he withholds information. Eli recognizes the seriousness of the moment and insists on full truth. This demand shows spiritual integrity even as it requires hearing his own doom. Eli would rather know God's word, however painful, than remain in ignorance. His response to Samuel's revelation will further reveal his character.
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. every: Heb. all the things, or, words

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Samuel tells 'every whit' (literally 'every word'), hiding nothing. Complete disclosure fulfills prophetic responsibility and responds to Eli's demand. Eli's response is remarkable: 'It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.' No protest, no pleading, no excuse - only acceptance of divine sovereignty. This submission to judgment demonstrates a kind of faith despite failure. Eli recognizes God's right to judge and accepts the verdict. His response does not reverse the judgment but reveals a heart that ultimately acknowledges divine authority.
19

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

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Samuel's growth now takes on prophetic dimensions: 'the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.' The phrase indicates that everything Samuel prophesied came true - a key test of prophetic authenticity (Deuteronomy 18:22). The LORD's presence 'with him' contrasts with the departed glory that will mark Eli's house. Samuel's words are effective because God's Spirit empowers them. The boy who did not know the LORD now speaks words that the LORD consistently fulfills.
20

And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. established: or, faithful

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Recognition spreads throughout Israel: 'from Dan even to Beer-sheba' - the traditional boundaries indicating all Israel. Samuel is 'established' (ne'eman, proven trustworthy) as a prophet. The phrase 'prophet of the LORD' becomes his official designation. This national recognition ends the prophetic drought noted in verse 1. Israel again has a reliable prophetic voice. The progression from sanctuary servant to recognized prophet is complete. Hannah's song of the LORD raising the humble finds fulfillment in her son's elevation.
21

And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

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The chapter concludes with emphasis on renewed revelation: 'the LORD appeared again in Shiloh.' The prophetic silence of verse 1 has ended. God 'revealed himself to Samuel...by the word of the LORD' - divine communication has resumed through a faithful channel. The location at Shiloh is significant: despite its coming destruction, God continues to reveal Himself there through Samuel. The corrupted sanctuary becomes the site of prophetic renewal. God works through broken institutions to raise up reforming voices.

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