1 Samuel Chapter 3

The Lord Calls Samuel

1And 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.

2And 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; 3And 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; 4That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5And 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. 6And 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. 7Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. 8And 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. 9Therefore 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.

God's Judgment against Eli

10And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. 11And 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. 12In 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. 13For 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. 14And 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.

Samuel Shares his Vision

15And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. 16Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. 17And 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. 18And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

19And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 20And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. 21And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The LORD Calls Samuel

1 The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. The word of Yahweh was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision.

2 It happened at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see), 3 and the lamp of God hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in the temple of Yahweh, where the ark of God was; 4 that Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” 5 He 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. 6 Yahweh 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.” 7 Now Samuel didn’t yet know Yahweh, neither was the word of Yahweh yet revealed to him. 8 Yahweh 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. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down: and 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.

10 Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.” 11 Yahweh said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone who hears it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even to the end. 13 For 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. 14 Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be removed with sacrifice nor offering forever.”

Samuel Shares the Vision

15 Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of Yahweh. Samuel feared to show Eli the vision. 16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, “Samuel, my son!” He said, “Here I am.” 17 He 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.” 18 Samuel told him every bit, and hid nothing from him. He said, “It is Yahweh. Let him do what seems good to him.”

19 Samuel grew, and Yahweh was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Yahweh. 21 Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh; for Yahweh revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of Yahweh.

The LORD Calls Samuel

1 And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli.

Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare and visions were scarce. 2 And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room.

3 Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.

4 Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.”

5 He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.”

“I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.”

So he went and lay down.

6 Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!”

So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.”

“My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.”

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, because the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 Once again, for the third time, the LORD called to Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.”

Then Eli realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy. 9 “Go and lie down,” he said to Samuel, “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 before, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle. 12 On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his family, from beginning to end. 13 I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God a and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, ‘The iniquity of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’ ”

Samuel Shares the Vision

15 Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called to him and said, “Samuel, my son.”

“Here I am,” answered Samuel.

17 “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God punish you, and ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He said to you.”

18 So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him.

“He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.

20 So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. 21 And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

Footnotes:

13 a LXX; Hebrew made themselves contemptible

The Lord Calls Samuel

1And the youth Samuel is serving Jehovah before Eli, and the word of Jehovah hath been precious in those days -- there is no vision broken forth.

2And it cometh to pass, at that time, that Eli is lying down in his place, and his eyes have begun to be dim -- he is not able to see. 3And the lamp of God is not yet extinguished, and Samuel is lying down in the temple of Jehovah, where the ark of God is, 4and Jehovah calleth unto Samuel, and he saith, 'Here am I.' 5And he runneth unto Eli, and saith, 'Here am I, for thou hast called for me;' and he saith, 'I called not; turn back, lie down;' and he goeth and lieth down. 6And Jehovah addeth to call again Samuel, and Samuel riseth and goeth unto Eli, and saith, 'Here am I, for thou hast called for me;' and he saith, 'I have not called, my son, turn back, lie down.' 7And Samuel hath not yet known Jehovah, and the word of Jehovah is not yet revealed unto him. 8And Jehovah addeth to call Samuel the third time, and he riseth and goeth unto Eli, and saith, 'Here am I, for thou hast called for me;' and Eli understandeth that Jehovah is calling to the youth. 9And Eli saith to Samuel, 'Go, lie down, and it hath been, if He doth call unto thee, that thou hast said, Speak, Jehovah, for Thy servant is hearing;' and Samuel goeth and lieth down in his place.

God's Judgment against Eli

10And Jehovah cometh, and stationeth Himself, and calleth as time by time, 'Samuel, Samuel;' and Samuel saith, 'Speak, for Thy servant is hearing.' 11And Jehovah saith unto Samuel, 'Lo, I am doing a thing in Israel, at which the two ears of every one hearing it do tingle. 12In that day I establish unto Eli all that I have spoken unto his house, beginning and completing; 13and I have declared to him that I am judging his house -- to the age, for the iniquity which he hath known, for his sons are making themselves vile, and he hath not restrained them, 14and therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli: the iniquity of the house of Eli is not atoned for, by sacrifice, and by offering -- unto the age.'

Samuel Shares his Vision

15And Samuel lieth till the morning, and openeth the doors of the house of Jehovah, and Samuel is afraid of declaring the vision unto Eli. 16And Eli calleth Samuel, and saith, 'Samuel, my son;' and he saith, 'Here am I.' 17And he saith, 'What is the word which He hath spoken unto thee? I pray thee, hide it not from me; so doth God do to thee, and so doth He add, if thou hidest from me a word of all the words that He hath spoken unto thee.' 18And Samuel declareth to him the whole of the words, and hath not hid from him; and he saith, 'It is Jehovah; that which is good in His eyes He doth.'

19And Samuel groweth up, and Jehovah hath been with him, and hath not let fall any of his words to the earth; 20and all Israel know, from Dan even unto Beer-Sheba, that Samuel is established for a prophet to Jehovah. 21And Jehovah addeth to appear in Shiloh, for Jehovah hath been revealed unto Samuel, in Shiloh, by the word of Jehovah.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3?

1.1Introduction to 1 Samuel 3

1.2Context of 1 Samuel 3

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.51 Samuel 3 Unique Insights

1.61 Samuel 3 Connections to Yeshua

1.71 Samuel 3 Scriptural Echoes

1.81 Samuel 3 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3?

Introduction to 1 Samuel 3

1 Samuel 3 stands as a pivotal chapter in Scripture, marking the dramatic transition of spiritual leadership in Israel from the aging priest Eli to the young Samuel. This chapter captures the momentous first direct revelation from God to Samuel, establishing him as a prophet of יהוה (Yahweh). The narrative masterfully weaves together themes of divine calling, spiritual sensitivity, and the sobering reality of judgment, all while showcasing the sovereign way God raises up His chosen servants, even in times of widespread spiritual darkness.

Context of 1 Samuel 3

The events of 1 Samuel 3 unfold against a backdrop of spiritual decay in Israel. The previous chapters reveal that “the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation” (1 Samuel 3:1). The priesthood, meant to be a light to the nation, had become corrupted under Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were abusing their positions and leading people astray.

This chapter serves as a turning point in Israel’s history, bridging the period of the Judges with the emergence of prophetic leadership. It connects thematically to the earlier narrative of Hannah’s dedication of Samuel to the Lord and sets the stage for Samuel’s future role as prophet, priest, and kingmaker. The chapter’s placement is strategic, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in raising up a true spiritual leader when Israel desperately needed divine guidance.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter foreshadows later prophetic calls, including those of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and ultimately points toward the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King – Yeshua the Messiah. The themes of divine initiative in calling, human response in obedience, and the weight of prophetic responsibility echo throughout Scripture’s story of God’s interaction with His people.

Ancient Key Word Study

שָׁמַע (shama) – “Hear/Listen” appears repeatedly in this chapter, carrying deep significance beyond mere auditory perception. In Hebrew thought, hearing implies obedience and response. Samuel’s repeated “Here I am” demonstrates the ideal response to God’s call – both hearing and readiness to act.
נַעַר (na’ar) – “Youth/Young man” emphasizes Samuel’s tender age during this divine encounter. The term suggests someone who is still learning and under authority, making God’s choice of him even more remarkable. This word is often used in Scripture for those whom God specially prepares for service.
הֵיכַל (hekal) – “Temple” refers here to the tabernacle at Shiloh. The word choice is significant as it’s the same term later used for Solomon’s temple, suggesting the sanctity of God’s dwelling place regardless of its physical structure.
נֵר אֱלֹהִים (ner Elohim) – “Lamp of God” symbolizes both physical light and spiritual illumination. The timing detail that it had not yet gone out suggests both the literal predawn darkness and the metaphorical dimming of spiritual light in Israel.
טֶרֶם (terem) – “Not yet” or “before” appears strategically, highlighting Samuel’s spiritual state before knowing the Lord personally, emphasizing the transformative nature of this encounter.
גָּלָה (galah) – “Reveal/Uncover” carries the sense of removing a veil, suggesting intimate divine disclosure. This term is often used for prophetic revelation throughout the Old Testament.
כָּהָה (kahah) – “Dim” describing Eli’s eyesight, serves both literally and metaphorically, representing the spiritual dimness that had settled over Israel’s leadership.
אָזֶן (ozen) – “Ear” in the phrase “both ears will tingle” represents more than physical hearing; it suggests a shocking message that resonates deeply in one’s being.

Compare & Contrast

The three-fold call to Samuel mirrors other significant triple patterns in Scripture, yet differs in its gradual revelation. Unlike Moses’ immediate recognition of God at the burning bush, Samuel needed Eli’s guidance to recognize divine communication. This progression emphasizes both God’s patience in revealing Himself and the importance of spiritual mentorship.
The phrase “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:9) uses the term עֶבֶד (eved/servant) rather than the more formal מְשָׁרֵת (mesharet/minister) used earlier. This choice emphasizes personal submission rather than merely official service.
God’s standing position (1 Samuel 3:10) is unique in prophetic call narratives. The text could have used less anthropomorphic language but chose this vivid description to emphasize the personal nature of divine revelation.
The judgment pronounced against Eli’s house uses the term כָּלָה (kalah/complete) rather than שָׁבַר (shavar/break), suggesting total fulfillment rather than mere punishment. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of divine judgment.
Samuel’s lying down “until morning” (1 Samuel 3:15) uses שָׁכַב (shachav) rather than יָשֵׁן (yashen/sleep), indicating physical position rather than rest, suggesting his wakeful processing of the revelation.

1 Samuel 3 Unique Insights

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I’m ready

The rabbinical tradition provides fascinating insights into this chapter’s deeper layers. The Talmud (Berachot 31b) notes that Samuel’s prophecy began at age twelve, the same age at which the Messiah first demonstrated His wisdom in the Temple. This parallel suggests a divine pattern in how God works through youth to bring spiritual renewal.

The chapter’s setting in the tabernacle at Shiloh carries profound significance. Shiloh was the first semi-permanent location of the tabernacle in the Promised Land, representing the meeting place between God and His people. The fact that God chose to speak to Samuel here, rather than to Eli directly, symbolizes a transition in how God would communicate with His people – establishing the prophetic office as a primary means of divine revelation.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen, saw in Samuel’s call a type of the believer’s progressive spiritual awakening. Just as Samuel needed three calls before recognizing God’s voice, believers often grow gradually in their ability to discern divine leading. This pattern points forward to Yeshua’s teaching about having ears to hear spiritual truth.

The text’s careful mention of the lamp of God not yet going out suggests more than mere chronological detail. In Jewish mystical tradition, this symbolizes God’s faithful preservation of a righteous remnant even in times of widespread apostasy. This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua, the true Light that darkness cannot overcome.

1 Samuel 3 Connections to Yeshua

The parallels between Samuel’s call and Yeshua’s early life are striking. Both were dedicated to God’s service from before birth, grew in wisdom and stature, and began their public ministry at a time of spiritual darkness in Israel. Samuel’s role as prophet, priest, and judge foreshadows Yeshua’s threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King.

The chapter’s emphasis on hearing and responding to God’s voice finds its ultimate expression in Yeshua, who perfectly heard and obeyed the Father. The progression from Samuel not yet knowing the Lord to becoming His established prophet parallels the believer’s journey from initial faith to mature relationship with God through Yeshua. This transformation is made possible through the Messiah’s completed work on the cross.

1 Samuel 3 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages. The call narrative parallels Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4), Isaiah’s temple vision (Isaiah 6:8), and Jeremiah’s commissioning (Jeremiah 1:5-7). Each emphasizes God’s sovereign choice and the human response of availability.

The theme of judgment against Eli’s house echoes warnings throughout Scripture about leadership accountability (Ezekiel 34:2, James 3:1). The faithful transmitting of difficult messages foreshadows later prophetic ministries and finds ultimate expression in Yeshua’s hard sayings.

Samuel’s growth “in stature and in favor” directly parallels Luke’s description of Yeshua (Luke 2:52), suggesting a divine pattern for spiritual development. The establishment of Samuel as a prophet points forward to the promise of the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), ultimately fulfilled in Yeshua.

1 Samuel 3 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own spiritual hearing. In our noisy world, are we cultivating the ability to recognize God’s voice? Samuel’s simple response, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears,” should be our daily posture – one of availability and submission to divine guidance.

The text reminds us that knowing about God differs from knowing Him personally. Samuel ministered in the tabernacle but needed to grow in direct relationship with the Lord. This encourages us to move beyond religious routine to intimate fellowship with God through His Son, Yeshua.

Consider also the courage required to deliver difficult messages. Samuel’s faithfulness in sharing God’s judgment with Eli challenges us to speak truth in love, even when costly. In our discipleship journey, we too must learn to balance grace and truth, just as Yeshua perfectly demonstrated.

Did You Know

The lamp mentioned in the temple was the golden menorah, which according to Jewish tradition, miraculously burned continuously on the western branch even after the other lights had gone out.
The Hebrew word for “rare” (יָקָר) in describing the scarcity of God’s word also means “precious,” suggesting that when divine revelation is scarce, it becomes even more valuable.
According to Jewish tradition, Samuel was just twelve years old when God first spoke to him, making him the youngest prophet in biblical history.
The phrase “ears will tingle” appears only three times in Scripture, each time announcing judgment on the house of God or Jerusalem.
The Targum (Aramaic translation) renders “Here I am” as “הא אנא קאים לפולחנא” meaning “Here I am, standing ready for service,” emphasizing active availability.
Archaeological evidence from Shiloh shows signs of destruction dating to this period, confirming the historical context of God’s judgment.
The three-fold call to Samuel mirrors the triple confirmation pattern found throughout Scripture, including Abraham’s call and Peter’s restoration.
According to rabbinic interpretation, Eli’s physical blindness developed gradually as a sign of his spiritual oversight failures.
The word used for “established” (נֶאֱמָן) regarding Samuel as a prophet shares the same root as “amen,” emphasizing reliability and trustworthiness.
The tradition of sleeping near the ark was unique to the guardians of the sanctuary, highlighting Samuel’s special status despite his youth.

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After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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