1 Samuel 3:1-21: The Call of Samuel
Biblia Católica
In the third chapter of 1 Samuel, we find the story of Samuel's call to prophecy. This chapter is a significant turning point in the book of 1 Samuel, as it marks the beginning of Samuel's ministry as a prophet and judge in Israel.
The Boy Samuel
1 Samuel 3:1-3 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.
At this time, Samuel was still a boy, serving under Eli, the high priest. The Bible tells us that during this period, the word of the Lord was rare, and there were not many visions. This suggests that the spiritual climate in Israel was dry and lacking in divine guidance.
The Call of Samuel
1 Samuel 3:4-5 One day Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 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 located.
On that day, the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, "Here I am."
Here, we see the Lord calling Samuel, and the boy responding to the call. However, Samuel mistakes the call for Eli's voice and runs to him, thinking that Eli had called him.
Eli's Wisdom
1 Samuel 3:6-10 Again the Lord called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." And so the Lord called again, "Samuel!" 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.
Eli, with his wisdom and experience, recognizes that it is the Lord who is calling Samuel. He instructs Samuel to respond to the Lord's call, saying, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'"
Samuel's Response
1 Samuel 3:11-14 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Here, Samuel responds to the Lord's call, and the Lord begins to speak to him. The Lord reveals to Samuel that he will soon judge Eli's household, and that the iniquity of Eli's family will not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.
The Prophecy Fulfilled
1 Samuel 3:15-21 Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, but Eli called him and said, "Samuel, my son." And he said, "Here I am." What was it he said, my son? And he said, "The Lord has come to me and said, 'I am about to do such a thing in Israel that everyone who hears about it will tremble.'" Eli said, "He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes."
In this passage, we see Samuel fulfilling his role as a prophet, delivering the message of the Lord to Eli. Eli, though worried, humbly submits to the will of the Lord.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 3:1-21 is a pivotal chapter in the book of 1 Samuel, marking the beginning of Samuel's ministry as a prophet and judge in Israel. Through this chapter, we see the call of Samuel, Eli's wisdom, and the fulfillment of the prophecy.
