“And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.”
1 Samuel 3:5 is part of the narrative in which the young Samuel is called by God to be a prophet. Here’s a breakdown of the verse and its significance:
Context:At the time of this event, Samuel was a young boy serving in the tabernacle under the guidance of the high priest, Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days, and there were few visions (1 Samuel 3:1). Samuel was resting in the temple when God called him.
The Call:In verse 4, we read that “the Lord called Samuel.” Initially, Samuel mistakenly thought it was Eli who had called him. In response to God’s call, Samuel promptly ran to Eli and presented himself, saying, “Here am I; for thou calledst me.” This demonstrates Samuel’s responsiveness and willingness to serve.
Misunderstanding:Eli, not realizing it was God calling Samuel, responded by saying, “I called not; lie down again.” Eli, who was old and his eyesight dim, did not perceive that it was God calling Samuel. He instructs Samuel to return to bed and await another call.
Obedience and Patience:Despite the confusion, Samuel displayed obedience and patience. He returned to his place and lay down again as instructed by Eli. This indicates Samuel’s humility and willingness to submit to the authority of the priest, even when he didn’t fully understand the situation.
This verse highlights several key themes that can be drawn from the broader narrative:
- God’s Calling: Samuel’s story emphasizes the reality of God’s calling and His desire to communicate with His people. It serves as a reminder that God can call individuals, even in unexpected circumstances and at a young age.
- Listening and Discerning God’s Voice: Samuel’s initial confusion about God’s voice underscores the importance of discerning and accurately identifying the voice of God. It prompts us to cultivate a sensitive spirit and attentiveness to hear God’s voice amidst the noise of the world.
- Obedience and Submission: Samuel’s immediate response to Eli’s instruction reveals his obedience and submission to authority. It teaches us the importance of respecting and obeying those God has placed in positions of authority over us, while discerning and verifying God’s leading.
- Faithfulness in Small Things: Samuel’s willingness to faithfully serve in the temple, even in small and seemingly insignificant tasks, positioned him for the greater purpose God had for his life. It encourages us to be faithful and diligent in the responsibilities and opportunities God has given us, knowing that He can elevate us to greater things.
