1 Samuel 3:1

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.

Study Bible

And the boy Samuel
The Hebrew word for "boy" here is "na'ar," which can refer to a child or a young man. Samuel, though young, is already serving in a significant capacity. His youthfulness is a reminder of God's ability to use anyone, regardless of age, for His purposes. Samuel's early dedication to God sets a precedent for the importance of nurturing faith from a young age.

ministered to the LORD
The Hebrew verb "sharath" means to serve or minister. Samuel's service is not just to Eli, the priest, but directly to the LORD, indicating a personal relationship and dedication to God. This service is a precursor to his future role as a prophet and judge over Israel. It highlights the importance of faithful service in the small things as preparation for greater responsibilities.

before Eli
Eli, the high priest, serves as Samuel's mentor and spiritual guide. The phrase "before Eli" suggests that Samuel's ministry is under Eli's supervision and authority. This relationship underscores the biblical principle of mentorship and discipleship, where the older generation imparts wisdom and guidance to the younger.

Now in those days
This phrase sets the historical context, indicating a specific period in Israel's history. It was a time of spiritual decline and moral chaos, as described in the Book of Judges. The phrase serves as a backdrop to the narrative, highlighting the contrast between the prevailing spiritual darkness and the light of Samuel's emerging ministry.

the word of the LORD was rare
The Hebrew word for "rare" is "yaqar," meaning precious or scarce. During this period, divine communication was infrequent, indicating a time of spiritual drought. This scarcity of God's word reflects the nation's disobedience and the need for a faithful prophet like Samuel to restore communication between God and His people.

and visions were scarce
The Hebrew term for "visions" is "chazon," referring to divine revelations or prophetic insights. The scarcity of visions signifies a lack of prophetic guidance and direction for Israel. This absence underscores the critical role that prophets play in conveying God's will and the dire need for Samuel's forthcoming prophetic ministry.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A young boy dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, serving in the temple under the priest Eli. Samuel is significant as he will become a major prophet and judge in Israel.

2. Eli
The high priest and judge of Israel at the time. He is responsible for mentoring Samuel in the ways of the Lord, though his own sons are corrupt.

3. The Temple
The place where Samuel serves, which is a central location for worship and sacrifice in Israel.

4. The Word of the LORD
Refers to divine communication from God, which was infrequent during this period, indicating a spiritual drought in Israel.

5. Visions
Supernatural revelations from God, which were also rare at this time, highlighting the lack of prophetic guidance.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Drought
Recognize the signs of spiritual drought in our own lives and communities. Just as the word of the Lord was rare in Samuel's time, we must seek God earnestly to avoid spiritual dryness.

Faithfulness in Service
Like Samuel, who ministered faithfully despite the scarcity of divine revelation, we are called to serve God diligently, even when we do not see immediate results or hear His voice clearly.

Mentorship and Influence
Eli's role in Samuel's life reminds us of the importance of godly mentorship. We should seek to mentor others in faith and be open to being mentored ourselves.

The Value of God's Word
Cherish and prioritize the Word of God in our lives. Unlike the scarcity in Samuel's time, we have access to the Scriptures and should not take this for granted.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify and address spiritual drought in our personal lives and church communities today?

2. In what ways can we remain faithful in our service to God, even when we do not feel His presence or hear His voice?

3. What role does mentorship play in our spiritual growth, and how can we actively seek or provide it?

4. How can we cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of God's Word in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "scarcity" of God's guidance. How did you navigate that season, and what did you learn from it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 8:11
This verse speaks of a famine of hearing the words of the Lord, similar to the spiritual scarcity described in 1 Samuel 3:1.

Proverbs 29:18
This verse emphasizes the importance of prophetic vision for the people, which aligns with the scarcity of visions in Samuel's time.

Acts 2:17
This New Testament verse speaks of the outpouring of the Spirit, resulting in dreams and visions, contrasting the scarcity in Samuel's time.