“And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.”
This verse marks the beginning of an important event in Samuel’s life, where he receives his first prophetic call from God. Let’s explore the Context:1 Samuel is an Old Testament book that recounts the transition of Israel from a period of judges to a monarchy. At the time of 1 Samuel 3, Israel was under the leadership of Eli, who served as both a priest and a judge. Samuel, a young boy, was serving in the tabernacle under Eli’s guidance.
Key Themes:
The verse highlights that Samuel’s ministry:The verse highlights that Samuel served the Lord before Eli. Although young, Samuel was dedicated to the Lord’s service and faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities in the tabernacle. This sets the stage for Samuel’s later role as a prophet and judge in Israel.
- Samuel’s ministry:The verse highlights that Samuel served the Lord before Eli. Although young, Samuel was dedicated to the Lord’s service and faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities in the tabernacle. This sets the stage for Samuel’s later role as a prophet and judge in Israel.
- The word of the Lord:The verse mentions that
the word of the Lord was precious in those days. This statement implies that divine revelations and visions were infrequent during this period. It indicates a spiritual decline in Israel, where direct communication from God had become rare. This scarcity of divine revelation makes Samuel’s calling and subsequent prophetic ministry all the more significant.
Lessons:
- Faithfulness in service: Samuel’s commitment to serving the Lord as a child teaches us the importance of faithfulness in our own areas of service. Regardless of our age or position, we can dedicate ourselves to God and serve Him faithfully in whatever roles He has entrusted to us.
- Value of God’s word: The scarcity of divine communication during Samuel’s time emphasizes the value of God’s word and His direct revelation. It reminds us not to take for granted the access we have to the Scriptures today. We should treasure the Bible and seek to understand and apply its teachings in our lives.
- God’s sovereignty: Even in a time when
, God’s sovereign plan was at work. He chose Samuel as a vessel through whom He would speak and lead His people. This reminds us that God is not limited by the circumstances or spiritual climate around us. He can raise up individuals and work through them to accomplish His purposes.
