1 Samuel 3 reveals God calls Samuel and the beginning of a prophet's ministry. Learn how God speaks to those who are willing to listen and obey.
The third chapter of 1 Samuel records one of the most significant moments in biblical history. The young boy Samuel, who had been dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, was serving in the tabernacle under the priest Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days, and visions were infrequent. Yet God chose to break the silence by calling Samuel in the night. The divine voice called the boy three times, and each time Samuel ran to Eli, assuming the old priest had summoned him. Finally, Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the child and instructed Samuel to respond.
This divine encounter marked the beginning of Samuel's ministry as a prophet. The message Samuel received was a solemn one, declaring judgment on the house of Eli because of the corruption of his sons. Samuel was called to deliver this difficult message to the man who had raised him and guided him. His obedience in delivering the message, despite the fear it caused, demonstrated his faithfulness to God. The chapter ends with the declaration that Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and none of his words fell to the ground.
God calls Samuel and the beginning of a prophet's ministry recorded in 1 Samuel 3 reveal that God speaks to those who are willing to listen and obey. Samuel's response, "Speak, for thy servant heareth," became a model of humble submission to God's will. The divine call came at a time when prophetic revelation was rare, demonstrating that God is always ready to speak to His people when they are prepared to hear. This pattern of divine calling and faithful response continues throughout Scripture, pointing forward to the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh.
The Setting of Samuel's Call
The Spiritual Condition of Israel
The opening verses of 1 Samuel 3 establish the spiritual climate of the nation. The text states that "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision" (1 Samuel 3:1). The phrase "precious" can also be translated "rare," indicating that divine revelation was scarce. The period of the judges had been characterized by spiritual decline, and the people had turned away from God.
The scarcity of prophetic revelation was a sign of judgment. When God's people reject His word, He often withholds further revelation. The absence of visions and prophecies reflected the nation's spiritual condition. Yet God was about to break the silence and raise up a prophet who would speak His words to the people.
The spiritual condition of Israel is contrasted with the faith of Hannah and the call of Samuel. While the nation was in decline, God was working through a faithful remnant. Samuel's call was a turning point in Israel's history, marking the beginning of a new era of prophetic revelation.
The Corruption of Eli's House
Eli, the high priest, had grown old, and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, had become corrupt. They treated the offerings of the Lord with contempt and committed wicked acts at the tabernacle. Their corruption had brought a curse upon the house of Eli, and judgment was imminent.
The corruption of Eli's house stands in stark contrast to the faithfulness of Samuel. While Eli's sons profaned the priesthood, Samuel served the Lord with integrity. The contrast highlights the importance of faithful leadership and the consequences of compromise.
The judgment on Eli's house was a demonstration of God's justice. Despite Eli's long service, he had failed to restrain his sons, and the consequences were severe. The message that Samuel would deliver was a solemn declaration of that judgment.
The Call of Samuel
The First Three Calls
The text records that Samuel was lying down in the temple where the ark of God was. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, indicating that it was still night. The Lord called Samuel, and he answered, "Here am I" (1 Samuel 3:4). Samuel ran to Eli and said, "Here am I; for thou calledst me."
Eli replied, "I called not; lie down again" (1 Samuel 3:5). The Lord called again, and Samuel rose and went to Eli, receiving the same response. The process repeated a third time. Samuel's eagerness to respond demonstrates his willingness to serve, even in the middle of the night.
The repetition of the call suggests that Samuel was not yet familiar with the voice of the Lord. He had not experienced a direct revelation from God before, so he naturally assumed it was Eli who had called him. The patience of God in calling Samuel multiple times reveals His desire to communicate with His servant.
Eli's Instruction
After the third call, Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the young boy. He instructed Samuel, "Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:9). Eli's instruction was a simple but profound lesson in how to respond to God.
Eli's willingness to instruct Samuel, despite the corruption of his own family, is noteworthy. He recognized that God was speaking to the boy and helped him understand the divine voice. His instruction would shape Samuel's response and set the course of his prophetic ministry.
The phrase "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" became a model of humble submission to God's will. Samuel was not commanding God to speak but expressing his willingness to listen. This posture of openness and obedience is essential for anyone who would hear and follow God's voice.
The Message of Judgment
The Divine Revelation
The Lord came and stood, calling Samuel by name twice: "Samuel, Samuel" (1 Samuel 3:10). Samuel responded as instructed, "Speak; for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:10). This moment marked the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry and the delivery of a solemn message.
The Lord declared to Samuel, "Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle" (1 Samuel 3:11). This vivid language indicates that the judgment would be shocking and severe. The prophecy concerned the house of Eli, which would be punished for the iniquity of his sons.
The judgment was twofold. The sons of Eli would die, and the priesthood would be transferred to another line. The prophecy was a declaration that God's justice would not be thwarted, even by the corruption of the priesthood. Samuel was the messenger of this divine judgment.
Samuel's Obedience
In the morning, Samuel went about his duties but was afraid to tell Eli about the vision. Eli called him and insisted, "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" (1 Samuel 3:17).
Samuel told Eli everything, holding nothing back. The text states that "he told him every whit, and hid nothing from him" (1 Samuel 3:18). Samuel's obedience to deliver the difficult message demonstrates his faithfulness to God, even when the message was painful.
Eli's response was humble submission: "It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good" (1 Samuel 3:18). Eli accepted the judgment as from the Lord, acknowledging God's sovereignty. His response was a model of submission, even in the face of judgment.
The Establishment of Samuel's Ministry
The Growth of Samuel
The text records the establishment of Samuel's prophetic ministry: "And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground" (1 Samuel 3:19). This statement indicates that Samuel's prophetic utterances were fulfilled, establishing his credibility as a prophet.
The phrase "the LORD was with him" is a summary of Samuel's entire ministry. His success and effectiveness were not due to his own abilities but to God's presence and empowerment. The divine presence was the foundation of his prophetic calling.
The fulfillment of Samuel's prophecies confirmed his authority. When the people saw that his words came to pass, they recognized him as a prophet of the Lord. His ministry was validated by the accuracy of his predictions.
The Recognition of Samuel
The text states that "all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD" (1 Samuel 3:20). Samuel's reputation spread throughout the nation, and he was recognized as the Lord's prophet.
The recognition of Samuel was a turning point in Israel's history. The period of judges had been characterized by spiritual decline, but the rise of Samuel as a prophet signaled a new era of divine revelation. His ministry would set the stage for the establishment of the monarchy.
The Lord continued to appear to Samuel in Shiloh, revealing His word to him. The text states that "the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD" (1 Samuel 3:21). The divine revelations confirmed Samuel's calling and equipped him for his ministry.
The Lessons of 1 Samuel 3
The Importance of Listening to God
Samuel's story emphasizes the importance of listening to God. He was attentive to the divine voice and responded with humility and obedience. His example encourages believers to cultivate a posture of openness to God's guidance.
Listening to God requires intentionality and focus. In a world filled with distractions, believers must make time to hear God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Samuel's willingness to say, "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth," is a model for all believers.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of hearing God's voice. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). Samuel's example encourages believers to recognize the Lord's voice and respond in faith.
The Cost of Obedience
Samuel's obedience to deliver the message of judgment to Eli demonstrates the cost of following God. The message was difficult, and Samuel was afraid to deliver it. Yet he was faithful to God's command, holding nothing back.
Obedience to God is not always easy. Sometimes the Lord calls us to deliver difficult messages or to make hard decisions. Samuel's example encourages believers to be faithful, even when obedience is costly.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of obedience. The apostle Peter and the other apostles declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Samuel's example encourages believers to prioritize obedience to God above all else.
The Faithfulness of God
Samuel's story reveals the faithfulness of God. Despite Israel's spiritual decline, God raised up a prophet to speak His words. The divine revelation was a demonstration of God's commitment to His people and His plan for their redemption.
The faithfulness of God is a central theme of Scripture. The psalmist wrote, "His mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 136:1). The Lord is faithful to His promises and always provides for His people. Samuel's call was a demonstration of divine faithfulness.
The New Testament emphasizes God's faithfulness. The apostle Paul wrote, "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Believers can trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He will fulfill His promises.
Conclusion
1 Samuel chapter 3 records the call of Samuel and the beginning of his prophetic ministry. Samuel, a young boy dedicated to the Lord, responded to God's voice with humility and obedience. The message he received was one of judgment on the house of Eli, and Samuel delivered it faithfully despite his fear. The chapter ends with Samuel growing in stature and being recognized as a prophet of the Lord throughout Israel.
God calls Samuel and the beginning of a prophet's ministry recorded in 1 Samuel 3 reveal that God speaks to those who are willing to listen and obey. Samuel's response, "Speak, for thy servant heareth," became a model of humble submission to God's will. The divine call came at a time when prophetic revelation was rare, demonstrating that God is always ready to speak to His people when they are prepared to hear. This pattern of divine calling and faithful response continues throughout Scripture, pointing forward to the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh.
The story of Samuel's call encourages believers to cultivate a posture of listening to God, to obey His commands even when they are difficult, and to trust in His faithfulness. The same God who called Samuel is able to speak to His people today through His Word and Spirit. By learning from Samuel's example, believers can experience the joy of hearing and following God's voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the spiritual condition of Israel when Samuel was called?
The spiritual condition of Israel was characterized by decline and the scarcity of prophetic revelation. The text states that "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision" (1 Samuel 3:1). The period of the judges had been marked by sin and corruption, and the people had turned away from God. The priesthood under Eli had become corrupt, with his sons profaning the offerings of the Lord. In the midst of this darkness, God chose to raise up Samuel as a prophet to speak His words to the people.
2. Why did Samuel think Eli was calling him?
Samuel thought Eli was calling him because he had not yet experienced a direct revelation from God. When the Lord called his name, Samuel naturally assumed it was Eli who had called him. He ran to Eli three times, and each time the old priest said he had not called. Finally, Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy and instructed Samuel to respond, "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:9). Samuel's inexperience with the divine voice was a sign that the prophetic revelation had been rare in Israel.
3. What message did Samuel receive from the Lord?
Samuel received a message of judgment on the house of Eli. The Lord declared, "Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle" (1 Samuel 3:11). The judgment was because Eli's sons had blasphemed God, and Eli had not restrained them. The prophecy declared that the iniquity of Eli's house would not be purged with sacrifice and offering forever. The judgment included the death of Hophni and Phinehas and the transfer of the priesthood to another line.
4. How did Samuel respond to the difficult message?
Samuel responded with obedience and faithfulness. Despite his fear, he delivered the message to Eli without holding anything back. The text states that "he told him every whit, and hid nothing from him" (1 Samuel 3:18). Samuel's willingness to deliver the difficult message, even though Eli was his mentor and guide, demonstrates his commitment to God above all else. His obedience was a foundation for his prophetic ministry.
5. What lessons can believers learn from Samuel's call?
Believers can learn several important lessons from Samuel's call. First, God speaks to those who are willing to listen. Samuel's response, "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:9), is a model for believers seeking to hear God's voice. Second, obedience to God is essential, even when His commands are difficult. Samuel delivered the message of judgment despite his fear. Third, God is faithful to His people, even when they are unfaithful. Despite Israel's spiritual decline, God raised up a prophet to speak His words. Samuel's example encourages believers to listen for God's voice, obey His commands, and trust in His faithfulness.
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