“And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.”
Context:The verse comes from the book of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of the prophet Samuel and the transition of leadership in Israel from the time of judges to the establishment of a monarchy. At this point in the narrative, Samuel was a young boy serving under the high priest Eli in the tabernacle at Shiloh.
The Appearance of the Lord:The verse begins by stating that the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. This indicates that the Lord’s presence was being manifested in a special way. It’s important to note that during this time, the Lord’s appearances were infrequent, and direct encounters with God were not common. This makes the event significant.
God’s Revelation to Samuel:The verse reveals that the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh. This revelation occurred through the word of the Lord. It implies that God spoke to Samuel, possibly through visions or direct communication. Samuel had already received a message from God earlier (1 Samuel 3:4-14) in the form of a calling to become a prophet.
Spiritual Implications:The verse highlights the significance of divine revelation and the role of Samuel as a prophet. God chose to communicate His will and plans to Samuel, indicating Samuel’s special relationship with God. It also emphasizes the importance of Shiloh, which was a significant religious centre during that time.
Application:While the specific events described in this verse are unique to Samuel’s calling and the time period, there are some general lessons we can draw from it. Firstly, it reminds us that God reveals Himself to those who are receptive to His voice and have a heart that seeks after Him. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of being attentive to God’s word and obeying His instructions when He speaks to us. Just as Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10), we should cultivate a willingness to listen and obey God’s voice in our lives.
In summary, 1 Samuel 3:21 captures a pivotal moment in Samuel’s life as the Lord appeared to him in Shiloh and revealed Himself through His word. It emphasizes the significance of divine revelation and highlights Samuel’s role as a prophet. The verse serves as a reminder to be attentive to God’s voice and obedient to His instructions.
