Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary1 Samuel 3

The Call of Samuel.This section tells how God first spoke to Samuel, beginning his work as a prophet. Samuel served faithfully in the tabernacle, even as a child. During this time, messages from God were rare, making Samuel’s calling very special. His story shows how God chooses those who are faithful in small things for greater tasks.v. 1: Samuel, though still a child, served the Lord

v. 2–3: One night, Eli had gone to bed, and Samuel was lying down nearby, ready to help Eli if needed. Eli was old and his eyesight was failing. Samuel was near the holy place, and the lamp of God was still burning. Samuel was always ready to serve, and God often speaks to those who are diligent and faithful.

v. 4–5: God called Samuel by name. Samuel thought Eli was calling him, so he ran to Eli and said, Here I am. But Eli said he had not called and sent Samuel back to bed. Samuel’s willingness to help shows his good character. Sometimes, God calls us in ways we do not recognize at first (Psalm 63:6 ).

v. 6–9: God called Samuel two more times, and each time Samuel went to Eli, thinking it was him. Samuel did not yet know God’s voice because he had never experienced a message from God before. After the third time, Eli realized it was the Lord

v. 10: God called Samuel again, this time in a clearer and more powerful way. Samuel answered as Eli had instructed, saying, Speak, for your servant is listening. God was now ready to trust Samuel with his message. Even young people can learn to hear God’s voice if they are taught and willing to listen (Genesis 22:1 ).

Eli and His House Threatened.This passage explains the first message God gave to Samuel after calling him. It was not a message about Samuel’s own future, but a serious warning for Eli and his family. God used young Samuel to deliver a difficult message, showing that sometimes God gives us hard tasks, even when we are young or new to faith. The story also reminds us that when God warns us, we should listen and not ignore His Word.v. 11–13: God told Samuel that He was going to punish Eli’s family because of their sin. Eli knew what his sons were doing was wrong, but he did not stop them. God said, His sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not (1 Samuel 3:13 ). This shows that when people in authority do not correct wrongdoing, they share in the guilt. Sin always brings shame and separates us from God (James 1:14; Psalm 15:4 ).

v. 14: God said that the punishment for Eli’s family would be very serious and permanent. No sacrifice or offering could make it right. God had sworn this would happen, and He would not change His mind. This reminds us that God’s justice is certain, and sometimes the chance to repent is missed if people continue in sin (Psalm 119:120 ).

v. 15: Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision he had received. He got up in the morning and did his normal duties, opening the doors of the tabernacle. Even after receiving such an important message, Samuel stayed humble and faithful in his tasks. Sometimes, God’s servants have to do difficult things, but they should still be faithful and humble in their daily work.

v. 16–17: Eli called Samuel and insisted that he share everything God had said, even making Samuel promise not to hide anything. Eli wanted to know God’s will, even if it was hard to hear. Those who love God should want to know the truth, whether it is good or bad for them.

v. 18: Samuel told Eli everything God had revealed to him. He did not try to make the message sound less serious or hide any part of it. God’s messengers must always speak the truth, even when it is hard. Eli responded in a humble way, saying, It is the Lord

Samuel Honoured as a Prophet.This section describes how Samuel was recognized and respected as a true prophet in Israel. God continued to reveal His messages to Samuel, and all of Israel saw that Samuel was chosen by God. Samuel’s faithfulness and honesty in delivering God’s words brought him honor and made him a blessing to his people.v. 19: Samuel grew and became stronger because the Lord

v. 20: All of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord

v. 21: The Lord