Introduction

The account of God's message to Samuel is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 3 and highlights the calling of Samuel as a prophet and the divine judgment pronounced upon the house of Eli.

Background

Samuel, the son of Elkanah and Hannah, was dedicated to the Lord's service from a young age. Hannah, in her fervent prayer for a child, vowed to give her son to the Lord, and upon his birth, she fulfilled her promise by bringing Samuel to the tabernacle at Shiloh, where he was raised under the tutelage of Eli, the high priest.

The Call of Samuel

The narrative begins with a description of the spiritual state of Israel at the time: "In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions" (1 Samuel 3:1). This scarcity of divine revelation underscores the significance of God's communication with Samuel.

One night, as Samuel lay in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, he heard a voice calling his name. Mistaking it for Eli, Samuel ran to him, only to be told that Eli had not called him. This happened three times, after which Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. Eli instructed Samuel to respond, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9).

God's Message

When the LORD called Samuel again, he responded as instructed. The LORD then revealed a message of judgment against Eli's house, saying, "I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his family, from beginning to end" (1 Samuel 3:11-12). The LORD's message was a confirmation of the earlier prophecy delivered by a man of God, condemning Eli's failure to restrain his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who had desecrated the priesthood.

Samuel's Role as Prophet

The next morning, Samuel was hesitant to share the vision with Eli, but upon Eli's insistence, he relayed the entire message. Eli responded with submission to God's will, acknowledging, "He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His eyes" (1 Samuel 3:18).

As Samuel grew, the LORD was with him, and all Israel recognized him as a prophet of the LORD. "The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word" (1 Samuel 3:21). Samuel's prophetic ministry was characterized by faithfulness to God's word, and he became a key figure in guiding Israel through a time of significant transition.

Significance

God's message to Samuel marks the beginning of a new era in Israel's history. It underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as well as the consequences of neglecting one's spiritual responsibilities. Samuel's calling and subsequent ministry illustrate the role of a prophet as a mediator of God's will, serving as a conduit for divine revelation and guidance for the people of Israel.