1 Samuel 3:7

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.

1 Samuel 3:7 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits at a turning point in Israel’s history. The opening of 1 Samuel 3 says that “the word of the Lord was rare” in those days (1 Samuel 3:1). Samuel was a boy serving in the tabernacle under Eli the priest. His mother Hannah had dedicated him to the Lord, so he grew up in the house of God. He knew about God from Eli’s teaching and from the worship around him, but he had not yet received a direct message from God. This was a time of spiritual drought, when visions and messages from God were uncommon among the people.

Meaning

The statement that Samuel “did not yet know the Lord” does not mean he was ignorant of God. He knew that the Lord was the true God of Israel. He had learned about God’s ways and ordinances from Eli. Rather, he lacked a personal, intimate knowledge that comes through direct revelation. The second phrase, “the word of the Lord was not yet revealed unto him,” shows that God had not yet spoken to Samuel in a personal way. This explains why, when God called him by name, Samuel ran to Eli, thinking it was the old priest’s voice. He had not learned to recognize God’s voice yet.

Biblical connections

Samuel’s experience connects with the way God calls other servants. In the New Testament, Jesus says that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:27). Just as Samuel needed to learn to recognize God’s call, believers today must grow in discerning the Lord’s voice through Scripture and prayer. The verse also shows that God often begins with a person who is humble and faithful in small duties, as Samuel was in serving Eli. This marks a transition from Samuel’s service in the tabernacle to his calling as a prophet who would receive the word of the Lord.

Application

This verse encourages those who have grown up in a religious home but have not yet had a personal encounter with God. Inherited faith is not enough; each person needs to know the Lord for himself or herself. It also reminds us that God reveals Himself in His own time. We cannot force His timing, but we can stay faithful in the place He has put us. Samuel was serving in the tabernacle when God called him. Our daily obedience prepares us for greater responsibilities.

Reflection

God can use young and inexperienced people. Samuel was only a boy, yet God chose him to be a prophet. We may feel unqualified or unsure, but God does not require us to be perfect before He calls us. He equips those He calls. As we seek Him earnestly, He deepens our knowledge of Himself and prepares us for His service.