1 Samuel 3

21 verses

TL;DR

In 1 Samuel 3 Samuel hears the Lord’s call for the first time, learns his prophetic vocation, and Eli realizes God will judge his household.

Summary

The chapter opens with Samuel, a child of the Lord, sleeping in Eli’s house. The Lord calls him three times, and initially Eli thinks Samuel is answering him. When Samuel repeats his answer, Eli recognizes it is God speaking. The Lord then declares judgment against Eli’s house for his sons’ disobedience, promising that the house will never be cleansed by sacrifice. Samuel relays this message to Eli, who accepts it. The next morning Samuel reports to God, who confirms his prophetic destiny. By the end, Samuel’s reputation as a prophet spreads throughout Israel, and God appears to him again in Shiloh.

Outline

Samuel hears God’s call and Eli’s realization of divine summons
God pronounces judgment upon Eli’s house for his sons’ iniquity
Samuel’s prophetic ministry is confirmed and known throughout Israel

Themes

Divine calling and prophetic vocationJudgment and accountabilityFaithful obedience amid divine revelation

Keywords

callingprophecyjudgmenthouse of EliArk of the CovenantlampShiloh

People

SamuelEli

Places

Shilohthe temple of the LORDDanBeershebaIsrael

Things

Ark of the Covenantlamp of Godword of the LORDprophetic call

Key Verses

1 Samuel 3:4: First time Samuel hears the Lord calling
1 Samuel 3:10: Samuel’s confident answer confirming the Lord’s voice
1 Samuel 3:12: God declares judgment upon Eli’s house
1 Samuel 3:18: Eli’s acceptance of God’s message and instruction to Samuel

Questions

What does Samuel’s response to the Lord’s call reveal about his faith?
How does Eli’s attitude toward the divine summons differ from Samuel’s?
In what ways does the judgment pronounced against Eli’s house serve as a warning to other families?
How does the setting of Shiloh contribute to the significance of the prophetic revelation?

Sentiment

mixed
The chapter balances hopeful divine calling with sobering judgment