Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Samuel 3

the word of the LORD was rare, and visions were scarce: God was not revealing his will through prophets or priests. This means that God was not regularly speaking to his people or giving them guidance.

However, this time of spiritual darkness was about to end when God began to communicate with Samuel (1 Samuel 3:2–4:1a).

Eli could barely see, both with his eyes and in his faith (1 Samuel 3:1).

• The priests had to keep God's lamp burning all night (Exodus 27:20–21; 30:7–8).

• Samuel sleeping near the ark shows his closeness to God's presence and purpose, unlike Eli and his sons.

Samuel did not yet know the LORD: This was because he had no direct experience with the Lord. In contrast, Eli's sons did not know the Lord because they were morally and spiritually lacking (see study note on 1 Samuel 2:12).

Eli realized: Even with his flaws, Eli still had some spiritual insight.

• Repeating the name highlights the importance of the moment (see Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:4; Matthew 27:46; Luke 22:31; Acts 9:4).

• Samuel leaves out “Lord” (see 1 Samuel 3:9) in his reply, possibly out of respect for the name or because he was unsure who was speaking.

something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle: This phrase shows how serious God's judgment is. God's actions would also have a major impact on Israel as a nation (see 2 Kings 21:12; Jeremiah 19:3).

Everything I have spoken: See 1 Samuel 2:27–36.

• because his sons blasphemed God: They showed contempt for God through their actions.

• he did not restrain them: Eli scolded his sons (1 Samuel 2:23–25), but he did not stop them.

Blood sacrifices and offerings would not be accepted for Eli and his sons. The offerings in Leviticus 4–5 were for accidental or unintentional sins. But Eli and his sons sinned on purpose and rebelliously.

Samuel was scared to tell Eli about God's plans for him and his family. He either respected Eli's position or feared for his own safety.

He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground: Samuel was a true prophet, as shown in 1 Samuel 3:20 and Deuteronomy 18:21–22.

• The entire nation, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, recognized Samuel as God's prophet.

• confirmed as a prophet: Samuel's reliable messages (1 Samuel 3:19) showed that God spoke through him.

• the LORD continued to appear: God started talking to Israel again through Samuel (see 1 Samuel 3:1).

• Shiloh: Refer to study note on 1 Samuel 1:3.