1 Samuel 3:1-10 NKJV: The Calling of Samuel
In 1 Samuel 3:1-10, we find the story of Samuel's call to serve the Lord. This passage is a pivotal moment in the life of Samuel, a young boy who would become a great prophet and leader in Israel.
The Background (1 Samuel 3:1)
The story begins with a description of the spiritual state of Israel at the time. The word of the Lord was rare, and there was no widespread revelation. This was a time of spiritual darkness, and the people of Israel were in need of guidance and leadership.
The Call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:2-3)
One day, the boy Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was located. Eli, the high priest, was also present, but his eyes had grown dim, and he was unable to see. Suddenly, the Lord called out to Samuel, "Samuel! Samuel!"
The Initial Misunderstanding (1 Samuel 3:4-5)
Samuel, thinking it was Eli who had called him, ran to the high priest and said, "Here I am, for you called me." However, Eli told Samuel that he had not called him, and Samuel should go back to bed.
The Second Call (1 Samuel 3:6-8)
The Lord called out to Samuel again, "Samuel! Samuel!" Again, Samuel ran to Eli, thinking it was the high priest who had called him. But Eli, realizing that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel, instructed the boy to go back and lie down, saying, "If He calls again, say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.'"
The Third Call (1 Samuel 3:9-10)
The Lord called out to Samuel for the third time, "Samuel! Samuel!" This time, Samuel responded as Eli had instructed him, saying, "Speak, for Your servant hears." And the Lord began to reveal His plan to Samuel, marking the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry.
In this passage, we see the Lord's gracious calling of Samuel, despite the spiritual darkness of the time. This calling would be the start of a new era of spiritual revival in Israel, and Samuel would play a key role in leading the people back to the Lord.
