1 Samuel 3:1-10 Commentary
The Call of Samuel
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (NIV)
1 The boy Samuel served the Lord under Eli. In those days, the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.
2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place.
3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was located.
4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am."
5 And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." And so Samuel went back and lay down.
6 Then the Lord called again, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
8 A third time the Lord called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy.
9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 Then the Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Commentary
In this passage, we see the call of Samuel, a young boy who would become a great prophet and leader in Israel. The scene is set in the temple at Shiloh, where Eli, the high priest, was residing. The Ark of the Covenant was also located in the temple.
The passage highlights the spiritual climate of the time, where "the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions" (v. 1). This indicates a period of spiritual drought, where the voice of God was not being heard clearly.
In this context, God chooses to call Samuel, a young boy who was serving under Eli. The call of God comes to Samuel in the form of a voice, which at first, Samuel mistakes for Eli's call (vv. 4-6). It is only after Eli's guidance that Samuel understands that the voice is that of God.
Eli's role in this passage is significant. Despite his own spiritual limitations, he recognizes the call of God on Samuel's life and guides him to respond to God's voice. This demonstrates the value of spiritual mentorship and the importance of recognizing and nurturing God's call on the lives of others.
The call of God on Samuel's life marks a turning point in Israel's history. Samuel would go on to become a great leader and prophet, anointing kings and guiding Israel towards a deeper understanding of God's will.
Application
- The call of God can come to anyone, regardless of age or background.
- Spiritual mentorship is crucial in helping others recognize and respond to God's call.
- The voice of God is still being heard today, guiding those who are willing to listen and obey.
Reflection Question
How is God calling you to serve Him today? Are you listening to His voice and responding to His call?
